By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-26/a-bill-would-let-kansas-schools-shift-to-online-learning-but-it-may-not-get-far">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — As a growing number of Kansas schools cancel
 classes because of COVID outbreaks or staff shortages, one lawmaker 
wants to let districts avoid shutdowns by using online learning.

Rep.
 Jarrod Ousley, a Democrat from Merriam, introduced a bill this week 
that would eliminate a 40-hour-per-year limit on remote learning.

“Having
 the option for school districts to go remote versus close the building 
seems like a viable option,” Ousley said. “A good tool in the toolbox 
that we took away from them last year.”

He said he thinks his bill
 would have bipartisan support on the floor of the Legislature, but it’s
 unlikely to get past a heavily conservative <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_k12_education_budget_1/" target="_blank">K-12 budget committee</a>.

“I personally don’t think it will ever see the light of day,” he said.

Last spring, Kansas lawmakers passed a new law restricting remote learning to no more than 40 hours for an individual student. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2134/" target="_blank">The measure</a> was a message to districts: Kids should be in school, in person.

The law allows districts to offer full-time online options, such as Wichita’s <a href="https://www.usd259.org/domain/5079" target="_blank">Education Imagine Academy</a>. But students enrolled in traditional in-person schools cannot go fully remote.

If a student goes over the 40-hour limit, the district could lose up to two-thirds of state funding for that student.

Ousley says last year’s Legislature didn’t anticipate a lingering pandemic that would prompt <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-10-18/kansas-schools-were-already-struggling-to-find-substitute-teachers-then-covid-hit" target="_blank">widespread teacher shortages</a> and school closures. He says districts should be allowed to use technology to keep kids learning.

“We’ve
 got school districts closing buildings. We’ve got school districts on 
the verge of closing buildings,” he said. School districts “know the 
infection rates in their buildings better than the Legislature is going 
to know.”

Rep. Kristey Williams, a Republican from Augusta who 
chairs the K-12 budget committee, said during a recent meeting that 
schools have more flexibility than they did before the pandemic.

“They
 have the option of 40 hours of remote schooling that they can use, 
which is approximately six days, that they wouldn’t have had 
pre-pandemic,” Williams said. “If a school district does need to close 
because of (a) teacher shortage, then they have the option of doing that
 temporarily and then making those … hours up.”

Wichita, the state’s largest district, recorded <a href="https://www.usd259.org/cms/lib/KS01906405/Centricity/Domain/5644/Staff%20quarantine%201-20.pdf" target="_blank">record-high absences</a> this month, with more than 900 employees in quarantine. The district closed a handful of elementary schools for several days.

More
 than a dozen other Kansas districts have closed individual schools or 
shut down completely during the recent surge in COVID-19 infections. 
They include Manhattan-Ogden, De Soto, El Dorado, Bonner Springs, Fort 
Scott and Pittsburg.

Last fall, the Wellington district south of Wichita <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-08-27/wellington-school-district-cancels-all-classes-and-activities-due-to-covid-19-outbreaks" target="_blank">abruptly closed all schools</a> and sent students home without a remote-learning option. The district later <a href="https://4.files.edl.io/850e/09/02/21/010536-42db9cb2-13c6-439c-aaa0-e1664b04f118.pdf" target="_blank">added 10 minutes to the end of each school day</a> to comply with state guidelines for the minimum number of instructional hours.

Wichita school board member Kathy Bond <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-11-02/three-of-four-conservative-challengers-win-seats-on-wichita-school-board" target="_blank">campaigned against wholesale school closures</a> last fall. But amid this month’s surge in COVID cases and quarantines, she said she’d support lifting the 40-hour limit.

“There
 needs to be an option online for these kids to be able to go ahead and 
even pick up homework or do something that can keep them caught up with 
their academics,” Bond said.

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643294027699.png" alt="More than a dozen Kansas districts have closed individual schools or shut down completely during the recent surge in COVID-19 infections. Suzanne Perez / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>More than a dozen Kansas districts have closed individual schools or shut down completely during the recent surge in COVID-19 infections. Suzanne Perez / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-26/a-bill-would-let-kansas-schools-shift-to-online-learning-but-it-may-not-get-far">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — As a growing number of Kansas schools cancel
 classes because of COVID outbreaks or staff shortages, one lawmaker 
wants to let districts avoid shutdowns by using online learning.Rep.
 Jarrod Ousley, a Democrat from Merriam, introduced a bill this week 
that would eliminate a 40-hour-per-year limit on remote learning.“Having
 the option for school districts to go remote versus close the building 
seems like a viable option,” Ousley said. “A good tool in the toolbox 
that we took away from them last year.”He said he thinks his bill
 would have bipartisan support on the floor of the Legislature, but it’s
 unlikely to get past a heavily conservative <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_k12_education_budget_1/" target="_blank">K-12 budget committee</a>.“I personally don’t think it will ever see the light of day,” he said.Last spring, Kansas lawmakers passed a new law restricting remote learning to no more than 40 hours for an individual student. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2134/" target="_blank">The measure</a> was a message to districts: Kids should be in school, in person.The law allows districts to offer full-time online options, such as Wichita’s <a href="https://www.usd259.org/domain/5079" target="_blank">Education Imagine Academy</a>. But students enrolled in traditional in-person schools cannot go fully remote.If a student goes over the 40-hour limit, the district could lose up to two-thirds of state funding for that student.Ousley says last year’s Legislature didn’t anticipate a lingering pandemic that would prompt <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-10-18/kansas-schools-were-already-struggling-to-find-substitute-teachers-then-covid-hit" target="_blank">widespread teacher shortages</a> and school closures. He says districts should be allowed to use technology to keep kids learning.“We’ve
 got school districts closing buildings. We’ve got school districts on 
the verge of closing buildings,” he said. School districts “know the 
infection rates in their buildings better than the Legislature is going 
to know.”Rep. Kristey Williams, a Republican from Augusta who 
chairs the K-12 budget committee, said during a recent meeting that 
schools have more flexibility than they did before the pandemic.“They
 have the option of 40 hours of remote schooling that they can use, 
which is approximately six days, that they wouldn’t have had 
pre-pandemic,” Williams said. “If a school district does need to close 
because of (a) teacher shortage, then they have the option of doing that
 temporarily and then making those … hours up.”Wichita, the state’s largest district, recorded <a href="https://www.usd259.org/cms/lib/KS01906405/Centricity/Domain/5644/Staff%20quarantine%201-20.pdf" target="_blank">record-high absences</a> this month, with more than 900 employees in quarantine. The district closed a handful of elementary schools for several days.More
 than a dozen other Kansas districts have closed individual schools or 
shut down completely during the recent surge in COVID-19 infections. 
They include Manhattan-Ogden, De Soto, El Dorado, Bonner Springs, Fort 
Scott and Pittsburg.Last fall, the Wellington district south of Wichita <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-08-27/wellington-school-district-cancels-all-classes-and-activities-due-to-covid-19-outbreaks" target="_blank">abruptly closed all schools</a> and sent students home without a remote-learning option. The district later <a href="https://4.files.edl.io/850e/09/02/21/010536-42db9cb2-13c6-439c-aaa0-e1664b04f118.pdf" target="_blank">added 10 minutes to the end of each school day</a> to comply with state guidelines for the minimum number of instructional hours.Wichita school board member Kathy Bond <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-11-02/three-of-four-conservative-challengers-win-seats-on-wichita-school-board" target="_blank">campaigned against wholesale school closures</a> last fall. But amid this month’s surge in COVID cases and quarantines, she said she’d support lifting the 40-hour limit.“There
 needs to be an option online for these kids to be able to go ahead and 
even pick up homework or do something that can keep them caught up with 
their academics,” Bond said.Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

Bill would let Kan. schools shift to online learning, but it may not get far 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Stephen Breyer is making it official, telling President Joe Biden in a letter that he will step down from the court later this year.

The Supreme Court released Breyer’s retirement letter Thursday, ahead of the 83-year-old justice’s appearance with the president at the White House. 

During a White House ceremony, Biden reiterated his pledge to nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying it was “long overdue,” as he praised retiring Justice Stephen Breyer as a model public servant. 

Breyer joined Biden at the White House Thursday, a day after news broke of the 83-year-old’s upcoming retirement. “It’s long overdue, in my view,” Biden said of the nominee. He promised to have a choice by the end of February.

The president is considering at least three judges for the expected vacancy on the Supreme Court as he prepares to quickly deliver on his campaign pledge to nominate the first Black woman to the nation’s highest court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643305191667.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Stephen Breyer is making it official, telling President Joe Biden in a letter that he will step down from the court later this year.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F460338765647933%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=445" 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>The Supreme Court released Breyer’s retirement letter Thursday, ahead of the 83-year-old justice’s appearance with the president at the White House. During a White House ceremony, Biden reiterated his pledge to nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying it was “long overdue,” as he praised retiring Justice Stephen Breyer as a model public servant. Breyer joined Biden at the White House Thursday, a day after news broke of the 83-year-old’s upcoming retirement. “It’s long overdue, in my view,” Biden said of the nominee. He promised to have a choice by the end of February.The president is considering at least three judges for the expected vacancy on the Supreme Court as he prepares to quickly deliver on his campaign pledge to nominate the first Black woman to the nation’s highest court.

🎥 Biden to name new Supreme Court Justice by end of February

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Junction City have identified the victims as Blake McCoy, 26, Junction City and Jeremy John Brown, 42, a resident of Pottawatomie County, according to Junction City Police.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Junction City Police Department was dispatched to the 600 block of West Vine Street for a man with an suspected gunshot wound, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located McCoy and Brown with gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said that their preliminary investigation suggests that these men&nbsp; knew each other and there is no ongoing threat to the community.&nbsp;

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Junction City.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Junction City Police Department was dispatched to the 600 block of West Vine Street for a man with an suspected gunshot wound, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located two white men, a 26-year-old from Junction City and a 42-year-old resident of Pottawatomie County with gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643302055217.png" alt="Police located the victims in the 600 Block of West Vine Street- photo by Beck Goff courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police located the victims in the 600 Block of West Vine Street- photo by Beck Goff courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Junction City have identified the victims as Blake McCoy, 26, Junction City and Jeremy John Brown, 42, a resident of Pottawatomie County, according to Junction City Police.Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Junction City Police Department was dispatched to the 600 block of West Vine Street for a man with an suspected gunshot wound, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located McCoy and Brown with gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.Police said that their preliminary investigation suggests that these men&nbsp; knew each other and there is no ongoing threat to the community.&nbsp;----GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double homicide in Junction City.Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Junction City Police Department was dispatched to the 600 block of West Vine Street for a man with an suspected gunshot wound, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located two white men, a 26-year-old from Junction City and a 42-year-old resident of Pottawatomie County with gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.Police said that their preliminary investigation suggests that these men&nbsp; knew each other and there is no ongoing threat to the community.&nbsp;

Police ID victims in Junction City double homicide 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white Kansas City police detective who was convicted in the shooting death of a Black man is no longer with the police department, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Eric DeValkenaere's last day with the department was Monday, police Capt. Leslie Foreman said. She said state law prevents her from saying whether DeValkenaere was fired, resigned or retired, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257741098.html">reported</a>.

He had been suspended without pay after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">convicted in November</a>&nbsp;of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the Dec. 3, 2019, shooting of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.

DeValkenaere has been free on a $30,000 bond since he was charged, throughout his trial and post-conviction.

During a video court hearing on Wednesday, DeValkenaere's defense attorney, Molly Hastings, asked Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Dale Youngs to consider allowing him to remain free on bond while his conviction is appealed, citing concern for his safety in jail because he was a police detective.

Youngs, who convicted DeValkenaere after a bench trial, said granting such a request would be unprecedented in his 13 years on the bench, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/eric-devalkenaeres-attorneys-float-idea-of-bond-during-appeal-of-double-felony-conviction">reported</a>.

“Other than Mr. DeValkenaere’s status as a police officer, I’m not exactly sure what other unique circumstances would compel me to treat him differently than I might treat somebody else in his situation given the charges,” Youngs said.

DeValkenaere is scheduled to be sentenced March 4. He faces up to four years on the manslaughter conviction and at least three years for the armed criminal action charge.

DeValkenaere testified during his trial that he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective, Troy Schwalm.

Youngs found that the officers had no probable cause to believe that any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592994941014.png" alt="Eric DeValkenaere-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Eric DeValkenaere-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white Kansas City police detective who was convicted in the shooting death of a Black man is no longer with the police department, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.Eric DeValkenaere's last day with the department was Monday, police Capt. Leslie Foreman said. She said state law prevents her from saying whether DeValkenaere was fired, resigned or retired, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257741098.html">reported</a>.He had been suspended without pay after he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">convicted in November</a>&nbsp;of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the Dec. 3, 2019, shooting of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.DeValkenaere has been free on a $30,000 bond since he was charged, throughout his trial and post-conviction.During a video court hearing on Wednesday, DeValkenaere's defense attorney, Molly Hastings, asked Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Dale Youngs to consider allowing him to remain free on bond while his conviction is appealed, citing concern for his safety in jail because he was a police detective.Youngs, who convicted DeValkenaere after a bench trial, said granting such a request would be unprecedented in his 13 years on the bench, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/eric-devalkenaeres-attorneys-float-idea-of-bond-during-appeal-of-double-felony-conviction">reported</a>.“Other than Mr. DeValkenaere’s status as a police officer, I’m not exactly sure what other unique circumstances would compel me to treat him differently than I might treat somebody else in his situation given the charges,” Youngs said.DeValkenaere is scheduled to be sentenced March 4. He faces up to four years on the manslaughter conviction and at least three years for the armed criminal action charge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619745438017.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Dec. 2019 shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Dec. 2019 shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>DeValkenaere testified during his trial that he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective, Troy Schwalm.Youngs found that the officers had no probable cause to believe that any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

Kansas City detective convicted in killing leaves department

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the Sedgwick County Jail.

On Tuesday, 34-year-old Pierre Collins of Wichita was found unresponsive in his cell, according to Sherif's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 Detention staff, along with detention facility medical staff, immediately started chest compressions.

Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services and the Wichita Fire Department arrived on scene and took over life saving measures. At approximately 10:25 P.M., Collins was declared deceased by Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services.

In accordance with state statute, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation was contacted. In addition, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division was also contacted.&nbsp;

Collins had been in the custody of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since May 01, 2019, for; one count of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated domestic battery and two counts of domestic battery, according to Blick. Had had three previous convictions for domestic battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. This is the second in-custody death of 2022 at the Sedgwick County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643230575094.png" alt="Collins had a previous conviction for domestic battery- photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Collins had a previous conviction for domestic battery- photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate at the Sedgwick County Jail.On Tuesday, 34-year-old Pierre Collins of Wichita was found unresponsive in his cell, according to Sherif's Lt. Benjamin Blick. Detention staff, along with detention facility medical staff, immediately started chest compressions.Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services and the Wichita Fire Department arrived on scene and took over life saving measures. At approximately 10:25 P.M., Collins was declared deceased by Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Services.In accordance with state statute, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation was contacted. In addition, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division was also contacted.&nbsp;Collins had been in the custody of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since May 01, 2019, for; one count of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated domestic battery and two counts of domestic battery, according to Blick. Had had three previous convictions for domestic battery, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. This is the second in-custody death of 2022 at the Sedgwick County Jail.

Death of Kan. inmate with a history of domestic battery under investigaton

SUMNER COUNTY— A Kansas couple accused in the&nbsp;August shooting death of a 12-year-old girl at a Kansas home are scheduled for a virtual court appearance Thursday, according to the Sumner County District Court.

On Jan. 6, police arrested 42-year-old Jarod Bruey and 41- year-old&nbsp; Sarah Bruey on requested charges of aggravated endangerment of a child and first-degree murder in commission of a felony, according to online Sumner County jail records.&nbsp;

On August 6, 2021 Sumner County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to report a shooting the 1500 Block of South Blackstone Road in Caldwell, according to&nbsp;Undersheriff Mike Westmoreland.

Deputies were told a 12-year-old girl accidentally shot her 12-year-old sister in the face. 

After administering life saving measures for over forty minutes she was declared deceased, according to&nbsp;Westmoreland.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641905049958.png" alt="Bruey-photo Sumner County" />
 <figcaption>Bruey-photo Sumner County</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY— A Kansas couple accused in the&nbsp;August shooting death of a 12-year-old girl at a Kansas home are scheduled for a virtual court appearance Thursday, according to the Sumner County District Court.On Jan. 6, police arrested 42-year-old Jarod Bruey and 41- year-old&nbsp; Sarah Bruey on requested charges of aggravated endangerment of a child and first-degree murder in commission of a felony, according to online Sumner County jail records.&nbsp;On August 6, 2021 Sumner County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to report a shooting the 1500 Block of South Blackstone Road in Caldwell, according to&nbsp;Undersheriff Mike Westmoreland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641904894911.png" alt="Bruey-photo Sumner Co." />
 <figcaption>Bruey-photo Sumner Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies were told a 12-year-old girl accidentally shot her 12-year-old sister in the face. After administering life saving measures for over forty minutes she was declared deceased, according to&nbsp;Westmoreland.&nbsp;&nbsp;---------

Kan. couple accused in deadly accidental shooting due in court

KANSAS CITY—U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is scheduled to be in Kansas Friday, according to a statement from the agency.

Secretary Pete Buttigieg will make a stop in Kansas City, Kansas to promote&nbsp; President Biden's&nbsp; bipartisan $1 trillion&nbsp; infrastructure bill and the associated investment in the region.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden signed the bill into law November 15, and said it will deliver jobs, clean water, high-speed internet and a clean energy future.

Officials have not released specific details about the Buttigieg's trip and his schedule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643238542238.png" alt="Secretary Pete Buttigieg-photo Dept. of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>Secretary Pete Buttigieg-photo Dept. of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is scheduled to be in Kansas Friday, according to a statement from the agency.Secretary Pete Buttigieg will make a stop in Kansas City, Kansas to promote&nbsp; President Biden's&nbsp; bipartisan $1 trillion&nbsp; infrastructure bill and the associated investment in the region.&nbsp;President Joe Biden signed the bill into law November 15, and said it will deliver jobs, clean water, high-speed internet and a clean energy future.Officials have not released specific details about the Buttigieg's trip and his schedule.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg coming to Kansas 

By DAVID A. LIEB and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated Press

Health care workers in about half the states face a Thursday deadline to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine under a Biden administration mandate that will be rolled out across the rest of the country in the coming weeks.

While the requirement is welcomed by some, others fear it will worsen already serious staff shortages if employees quit rather than comply.

“We would like to see staff vaccinated. We think that it’s the safest option for residents, which is our biggest concern,” said Marjorie Moore, executive director of VOYCE, a St. Louis County,&nbsp;Missouri, nonprofit that works on behalf of nursing home residents. “But not having staff is also a really big concern, because the neglect that happens as a result of that is severe and very scary.”

The mandate affects a wide swath of the health care industry, covering doctors, nurses, technicians, aides and even volunteers at hospitals, nursing homes, home-health agencies and other providers that participate in the federal Medicare or Medicaid programs.

It comes as many places are stretched thin by the omicron surge, which is putting record numbers of people in the hospital with COVID-19 while sickening many health workers.

Nationwide, about 81% of nursing home staff members already were fully vaccinated as of earlier this month, ranging from a high of 98% in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rhode-island">Rhode Island</a>&nbsp;to a low of 67% in Missouri, according to the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services. The data is unclear about the vaccination levels in hospitals and other health care sites.

The mandate ultimately will cover 10.4 million health care workers at 76,000 facilities.

It is taking effect first in jurisdictions that didn’t challenge the requirement in court. Those include some of the biggest states, with some of the largest populations of senior citizens, among them:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california">California</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/florida">Florida</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>.

Some of the states already have their own vaccine requirements for health care workers. In California, for example, they have been required to be fully vaccinated since Sept. 30 and must get a booster b y Feb. 1.

The federal mandate is “better late than never," said Sal Rosselli, president of the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents about 15,000 people in California. "But if it happened sooner, we wouldn’t have gone through the surge, and a lot more people would be alive today.”

The government said it will begin enforcing the first-dose vaccine requirement Feb. 14 in two dozen other states where injunctions were lifted when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the mandate two weeks ago. The requirement will kick in on Feb. 22 in&nbsp;Texas, which had filed suit separately.

In Missouri, one nursing home served notice this week that it intends to take advantage of a state rule that allows facilities to close for up to two years if they are short-staffed because of the vaccine requirement. The state health department would not identify the nursing home, saying it is still notifying families and arranging transfer plans.

“Obviously we are proponents of vaccines," said department spokeswoman Lisa Cox. But "throughout all of this, we knew that mandating it would be a negative impact really on our health care system ... just because of crippling staffing levels.”

The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services ultimately could cut off funding to places that fail to comply with the mandate. But it plans to begin enforcement with encouragement rather than a heavy hand.

CMS guidance documents indicate it will grant leniency to places that have at least 80% compliance and an improvement plan in place, and it will seek to prod others.

“The overarching goal is to get providers over that finish line and not be cutting off federal dollars,” said MaryBeth Musumeci, a Medicaid expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

The states affected on Thursday are: California,&nbsp;Colorado,&nbsp;Connecticut,&nbsp;Delaware, Florida,&nbsp;Hawaii,&nbsp;Illinois,&nbsp;Maine,&nbsp;Maryland,&nbsp;Massachusetts,&nbsp;Michigan,&nbsp;Minnesota,&nbsp;Nevada,&nbsp;New Jersey,&nbsp;New Mexico, New York,&nbsp;North Carolina,&nbsp;Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,&nbsp;Tennessee,&nbsp;Vermont,&nbsp;Virginia, Washington and&nbsp;Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627688144182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID A. LIEB and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated PressHealth care workers in about half the states face a Thursday deadline to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine under a Biden administration mandate that will be rolled out across the rest of the country in the coming weeks.While the requirement is welcomed by some, others fear it will worsen already serious staff shortages if employees quit rather than comply.“We would like to see staff vaccinated. We think that it’s the safest option for residents, which is our biggest concern,” said Marjorie Moore, executive director of VOYCE, a St. Louis County,&nbsp;Missouri, nonprofit that works on behalf of nursing home residents. “But not having staff is also a really big concern, because the neglect that happens as a result of that is severe and very scary.”The mandate affects a wide swath of the health care industry, covering doctors, nurses, technicians, aides and even volunteers at hospitals, nursing homes, home-health agencies and other providers that participate in the federal Medicare or Medicaid programs.It comes as many places are stretched thin by the omicron surge, which is putting record numbers of people in the hospital with COVID-19 while sickening many health workers.Nationwide, about 81% of nursing home staff members already were fully vaccinated as of earlier this month, ranging from a high of 98% in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rhode-island">Rhode Island</a>&nbsp;to a low of 67% in Missouri, according to the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services. The data is unclear about the vaccination levels in hospitals and other health care sites.The mandate ultimately will cover 10.4 million health care workers at 76,000 facilities.It is taking effect first in jurisdictions that didn’t challenge the requirement in court. Those include some of the biggest states, with some of the largest populations of senior citizens, among them:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california">California</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/florida">Florida</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>.Some of the states already have their own vaccine requirements for health care workers. In California, for example, they have been required to be fully vaccinated since Sept. 30 and must get a booster b y Feb. 1.The federal mandate is “better late than never," said Sal Rosselli, president of the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents about 15,000 people in California. "But if it happened sooner, we wouldn’t have gone through the surge, and a lot more people would be alive today.”The government said it will begin enforcing the first-dose vaccine requirement Feb. 14 in two dozen other states where injunctions were lifted when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the mandate two weeks ago. The requirement will kick in on Feb. 22 in&nbsp;Texas, which had filed suit separately.In Missouri, one nursing home served notice this week that it intends to take advantage of a state rule that allows facilities to close for up to two years if they are short-staffed because of the vaccine requirement. The state health department would not identify the nursing home, saying it is still notifying families and arranging transfer plans.“Obviously we are proponents of vaccines," said department spokeswoman Lisa Cox. But "throughout all of this, we knew that mandating it would be a negative impact really on our health care system ... just because of crippling staffing levels.”The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services ultimately could cut off funding to places that fail to comply with the mandate. But it plans to begin enforcement with encouragement rather than a heavy hand.CMS guidance documents indicate it will grant leniency to places that have at least 80% compliance and an improvement plan in place, and it will seek to prod others.“The overarching goal is to get providers over that finish line and not be cutting off federal dollars,” said MaryBeth Musumeci, a Medicaid expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.The states affected on Thursday are: California,&nbsp;Colorado,&nbsp;Connecticut,&nbsp;Delaware, Florida,&nbsp;Hawaii,&nbsp;Illinois,&nbsp;Maine,&nbsp;Maryland,&nbsp;Massachusetts,&nbsp;Michigan,&nbsp;Minnesota,&nbsp;Nevada,&nbsp;New Jersey,&nbsp;New Mexico, New York,&nbsp;North Carolina,&nbsp;Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,&nbsp;Tennessee,&nbsp;Vermont,&nbsp;Virginia, Washington and&nbsp;Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

Vaccine mandate to kick in for first wave of health workers

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas men for alleged counterfeiting.

On January 18, the Arkansas City Police Department began investigating numerous cases involving counterfeit U.S. currency, along with false identifications that were being used throughout the city to secure transactions and the passing of a fake check, according to Arkansas City Police.

On January 22, police were dispatched to Super 8 by Wyndham, 3228 N. Summit Street in north Arkansas City, for a report of a man suspect who had rented a room using a paper identification that was later determined to be fake.

When they arrived, officers located and later arrested 30-year-old Matthew Duane Albrecht and 38-year-old Aaron Scott Gramke.

Albrecht is being held on requested charges of identity fraud and making false information, as well as one misdemeanor count of theft of property or services.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Gramke is being held requested charges of counterfeiting, identity theft and making false information, as well as one misdemeanor count of theft of property totaling less than $1,500 in value. 

They were transported to and booked into the county jail where they remain in custody, according to police.

Anyone with information about counterfeiting is encouraged to call the Arkansas City Police Department. Specifically, anyone who recently has received a check from a “Jared Brown” should call Detective Lt. Jason Legleiter at (620) 441-4435.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643140928979.png" alt=" Gramke-photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption> Gramke-photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas men for alleged counterfeiting.On January 18, the Arkansas City Police Department began investigating numerous cases involving counterfeit U.S. currency, along with false identifications that were being used throughout the city to secure transactions and the passing of a fake check, according to Arkansas City Police.On January 22, police were dispatched to Super 8 by Wyndham, 3228 N. Summit Street in north Arkansas City, for a report of a man suspect who had rented a room using a paper identification that was later determined to be fake.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643140891878.png" alt="Albrecht photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Albrecht photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>When they arrived, officers located and later arrested 30-year-old Matthew Duane Albrecht and 38-year-old Aaron Scott Gramke.Albrecht is being held on requested charges of identity fraud and making false information, as well as one misdemeanor count of theft of property or services.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gramke is being held requested charges of counterfeiting, identity theft and making false information, as well as one misdemeanor count of theft of property totaling less than $1,500 in value. They were transported to and booked into the county jail where they remain in custody, according to police.Anyone with information about counterfeiting is encouraged to call the Arkansas City Police Department. Specifically, anyone who recently has received a check from a “Jared Brown” should call Detective Lt. Jason Legleiter at (620) 441-4435.

Two Kan. men accused of counterfeiting, passing fake checks

TOPEKA&nbsp; – The Kansas attorney general’s office has resolved a lawsuit filed under the state’s mistaken-conviction statute, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

The attorney general reached an agreed resolution of a lawsuit filed by 52-year-old Merardo J. Garza, Jr. On January 10, 2008, Garza was convicted of alternative counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and rape in Sedgwick County District Court. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum sentence of 25 years. His conviction was vacated on November 6, 2020, in Sedgwick County District Court. The agreed resolution was approved January 20, 2022, by Sedgwick County District Judge Seth Rundle.

In the agreed order, the court determined that Garza did not commit the crime for which he was convicted, nor was he an accessory or accomplice to that crime, nor did he suborn perjury, fabricate evidence or cause or bring about his conviction through his own conduct. Garza served 13 years, five months and 27 days in prison or jail.

Accordingly, the court ordered the following relief for Garza, as provided by the mistaken-conviction statute:

By statute, payment is subject to review by the State Finance Council.&nbsp;Copies of the orders in the case of&nbsp;Garza v State of Kansas&nbsp;can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3qZdu2W">https://bit.ly/3qZdu2W</a>.&nbsp;The case is awaiting review by the State Finance Council.

In the second case, Shawnee County District Court Judge Teresa Watson issued a ruling earlier last week in a lawsuit brought by Francis R. Everett, 64, who was convicted in Smith County on charges of manufacturing methamphetamines in November 2007. Everett was released when his conviction was reversed on appeal because the trial court erred in admitting evidence of a prior conviction, not because of actual innocence, Watson wrote. Everett was not retried on the charges, but is currently in prison on other charges.

Following a one-day trial on January 6 to hear Everett’s claim, Watson ruled that Everett failed to satisfy all of the requirements established in K.S.A. 60-5004 that the claimant shall prove, among other criteria, that he did not commit the crimes and was not an accessory to the acts that were the basis for the original conviction. Everett appeared at the trial by videoconference.

A witness at both Everett’s hearing and his 2007 trial testified that she was present with Everett in the making of methamphetamines and subsequent use during a three-month period from March to May 2006. The witness gave a detailed account of how she and Everett drove across state lines to acquire the necessary components to make the illegal drugs and subsequently use them in a secluded area.

Watson said in her ruling that Everett severely undercut his credibility as a witness in his claim against the state, admitting under oath that he “probably did” use methamphetamines during the time in question, despite earlier testimony to the contrary. A copy of Watson’s ruling is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3FOoDHX">https://bit.ly/3FOoDHX</a>.

From December 2018 through the present, 14 individuals have filed lawsuits against the State of Kansas under authority of K.S.A. 60-5004, the mistaken-conviction statute. Of those, six have now reached judgment and payment has been made or is in process. In a seventh case, the district court ruled against the claimant, and the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed that no payment was owed. The eighth case (Everett) was rejected at the district court level. Five other cases remain in litigation in district courts. The Garza case is awaiting review by the State Finance Council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643197744778.png" alt="Garza-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Garza-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp; – The Kansas attorney general’s office has resolved a lawsuit filed under the state’s mistaken-conviction statute, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.The attorney general reached an agreed resolution of a lawsuit filed by 52-year-old Merardo J. Garza, Jr. On January 10, 2008, Garza was convicted of alternative counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and rape in Sedgwick County District Court. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum sentence of 25 years. His conviction was vacated on November 6, 2020, in Sedgwick County District Court. The agreed resolution was approved January 20, 2022, by Sedgwick County District Judge Seth Rundle.In the agreed order, the court determined that Garza did not commit the crime for which he was convicted, nor was he an accessory or accomplice to that crime, nor did he suborn perjury, fabricate evidence or cause or bring about his conviction through his own conduct. Garza served 13 years, five months and 27 days in prison or jail.Accordingly, the court ordered the following relief for Garza, as provided by the mistaken-conviction statute:<ul>
 <li>Garza was granted a Certificate of Innocence.</li><li>Records of his conviction and arrest were ordered expunged.</li><li>Garza was granted total compensation of $887,455.22.</li>
 </ul>By statute, payment is subject to review by the State Finance Council.&nbsp;Copies of the orders in the case of&nbsp;Garza v State of Kansas&nbsp;can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3qZdu2W">https://bit.ly/3qZdu2W</a>.&nbsp;The case is awaiting review by the State Finance Council.In the second case, Shawnee County District Court Judge Teresa Watson issued a ruling earlier last week in a lawsuit brought by Francis R. Everett, 64, who was convicted in Smith County on charges of manufacturing methamphetamines in November 2007. Everett was released when his conviction was reversed on appeal because the trial court erred in admitting evidence of a prior conviction, not because of actual innocence, Watson wrote. Everett was not retried on the charges, but is currently in prison on other charges.Following a one-day trial on January 6 to hear Everett’s claim, Watson ruled that Everett failed to satisfy all of the requirements established in K.S.A. 60-5004 that the claimant shall prove, among other criteria, that he did not commit the crimes and was not an accessory to the acts that were the basis for the original conviction. Everett appeared at the trial by videoconference.A witness at both Everett’s hearing and his 2007 trial testified that she was present with Everett in the making of methamphetamines and subsequent use during a three-month period from March to May 2006. The witness gave a detailed account of how she and Everett drove across state lines to acquire the necessary components to make the illegal drugs and subsequently use them in a secluded area.Watson said in her ruling that Everett severely undercut his credibility as a witness in his claim against the state, admitting under oath that he “probably did” use methamphetamines during the time in question, despite earlier testimony to the contrary. A copy of Watson’s ruling is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3FOoDHX">https://bit.ly/3FOoDHX</a>.From December 2018 through the present, 14 individuals have filed lawsuits against the State of Kansas under authority of K.S.A. 60-5004, the mistaken-conviction statute. Of those, six have now reached judgment and payment has been made or is in process. In a seventh case, the district court ruled against the claimant, and the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed that no payment was owed. The eighth case (Everett) was rejected at the district court level. Five other cases remain in litigation in district courts. The Garza case is awaiting review by the State Finance Council.

Kan. man convicted of sex crimes against minor was innocent

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Republicans have pushed their congressional redistricting plan through the GOP-dominated Kansas Legislature without much trouble. 

An expected court battle loomed after Wednesday's legislative action over whether the proposed map goes too far in hurting the state’s only Democrat in Congress. 

The House’s 79-37 vote sends Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a bill that would split the Kansas City area into two congressional districts and move the liberal northeast Kansas city of Lawrence into a district with central and western Kansas.

The Senate approved the measure last week. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids would lose some of the neighborhoods in her Kansas City-area 3rd District where her support is strongest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643217468153.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Republicans have pushed their congressional redistricting plan through the GOP-dominated Kansas Legislature without much trouble. An expected court battle loomed after Wednesday's legislative action over whether the proposed map goes too far in hurting the state’s only Democrat in Congress. The House’s 79-37 vote sends Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a bill that would split the Kansas City area into two congressional districts and move the liberal northeast Kansas city of Lawrence into a district with central and western Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610038234095.png" alt="Rep. Sharice Davids" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Sharice Davids</figcaption>
 </figure>The Senate approved the measure last week. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids would lose some of the neighborhoods in her Kansas City-area 3rd District where her support is strongest.

Controversial Kan. redistricting map is headed to Governor 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest who was accused of sexual exploitation of a child will not be charged because the statute of limitations has ended, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said Wednesday.

The Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm on administrative leave last November after it received an allegation against him.

The allegations reportedly occurred between 1993 and 1996, when Schemm was assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Wichita.

The child, who would have been between 12 and 15 at the time, would be 40 this year, Bennett said.

Under state law, the statute of limitations expired in 2009, when the alleged victim turned 28. Bennett said his decision was a legal conclusion and and was making “no commentary or conclusions” on the allegations.

<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">Click here&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;if you&nbsp;&nbsp;you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463)&nbsp;or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov">ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov</a>

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a Catholic priest for alleged sexual abuse of a minor.

&nbsp;On Monday, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm, Church of the Resurrection, 4910 N Woodlawn Street in Bel Aire, on leave, according to a media release from the Diocese.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennet said,&nbsp; “The Catholic Diocese of Wichita notified the Office of the District Attorney that allegations had recently been made against a priest working within the Diocese. 

 The allegations date to the time frame over 25 years ago.  Late this morning (Tuesday Nov.1.), the matter was referred by this office to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit.   Additional information may be made public following the presentation of the matter for a final charging determination at the conclusion of any follow up investigation.”

While on leave Father Schemm will be restricted from offering sacraments and preaching in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita until the investigation has been completed, according to the release.

<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">Click here </a>&nbsp;if you&nbsp;&nbsp;you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463)&nbsp;or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov">ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov</a>

The dioceses asks anyone who suspects abuse, inappropriate behavior or has been harmed by any person who has worked or volunteered for the diocese to contact the Diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator at (316) 440-1757 or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.catholicdioceseofwichita.org/promise-to-protect.">CatholicDioceseofWichita.org/promise-to-protect.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635811845603.png" alt="Father Michael Schemm-photo courtesy Church of the Resurrection" />
 <figcaption>Father Michael Schemm-photo courtesy Church of the Resurrection</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest who was accused of sexual exploitation of a child will not be charged because the statute of limitations has ended, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said Wednesday.The Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm on administrative leave last November after it received an allegation against him.The allegations reportedly occurred between 1993 and 1996, when Schemm was assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Wichita.The child, who would have been between 12 and 15 at the time, would be 40 this year, Bennett said.Under state law, the statute of limitations expired in 2009, when the alleged victim turned 28. Bennett said his decision was a legal conclusion and and was making “no commentary or conclusions” on the allegations.<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">Click here&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;if you&nbsp;&nbsp;you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463)&nbsp;or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov">ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov</a>-------------------&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a Catholic priest for alleged sexual abuse of a minor.&nbsp;On Monday, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita placed Rev. Michael Schemm, Church of the Resurrection, 4910 N Woodlawn Street in Bel Aire, on leave, according to a media release from the Diocese.Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennet said,&nbsp; “The Catholic Diocese of Wichita notified the Office of the District Attorney that allegations had recently been made against a priest working within the Diocese. The allegations date to the time frame over 25 years ago. Late this morning (Tuesday Nov.1.), the matter was referred by this office to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit. Additional information may be made public following the presentation of the matter for a final charging determination at the conclusion of any follow up investigation.”While on leave Father Schemm will be restricted from offering sacraments and preaching in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita until the investigation has been completed, according to the release.<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/reportClergyAbuse.shtml">Click here </a>&nbsp;if you&nbsp;&nbsp;you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual misconduct committed by members of the clergy or call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME (1-800-572-7463)&nbsp;or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov">ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov</a>The dioceses asks anyone who suspects abuse, inappropriate behavior or has been harmed by any person who has worked or volunteered for the diocese to contact the Diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator at (316) 440-1757 or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.catholicdioceseofwichita.org/promise-to-protect.">CatholicDioceseofWichita.org/promise-to-protect.</a>

Kansas priest won't be charged with child sexual abuse

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas doctor-lawmaker who has prescribed a parasitic worm treatment for COVID-19 symptoms says the state medical board has been investigating him since the summer of 2020. 

Conservative Republican state Sen. Mark Steffen disclosed the Kansas Board of Health Arts’ investigation of him Wednesday during a Senate committee hearing. He was testifying in favor of a bill to require pharmacists to fill prescriptions for the anti-worm treatment ivermectin and the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for off-label uses in treating COVID-19. 

Steffen is an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist from Hutchinson. He said the medical board has been investigating him for 18 months over public statements about COVID-19. The board declined to comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629911444218.jpeg" alt="Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, promotes the use of ivermectin to combat COVID-19. photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, promotes the use of ivermectin to combat COVID-19. photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas doctor-lawmaker who has prescribed a parasitic worm treatment for COVID-19 symptoms says the state medical board has been investigating him since the summer of 2020. Conservative Republican state Sen. Mark Steffen disclosed the Kansas Board of Health Arts’ investigation of him Wednesday during a Senate committee hearing. He was testifying in favor of a bill to require pharmacists to fill prescriptions for the anti-worm treatment ivermectin and the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for off-label uses in treating COVID-19. Steffen is an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist from Hutchinson. He said the medical board has been investigating him for 18 months over public statements about COVID-19. The board declined to comment.

Pro-ivermectin Kansas doctor-lawmaker under investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Joe Biden an opening he has pledged to fill by naming the first Black woman to the high court, two sources told The Associated Press Wednesday.

Breyer, 83, has been a pragmatic force on a court that has grown increasingly conservative in recent years, trying to forge majorities with more moderate justices right and left of center.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt Breyer's eventual announcement. NBC first reported the justice's plans.

Breyer has been a justice since 1994, appointed by President Bill Clinton. Along with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Breyer opted not to step down the last time the Democrats controlled the White House and the Senate during Barack Obama’s presidency. Ginsburg died in September 2020, and then-President Donald Trump filled the vacancy with a conservative justice, Amy Coney Barrett.

Breyer’s departure, expected over the summer, won’t change the 6-3 conservative advantage on the court because his replacement will be nominated by Biden and almost certainly confirmed by a Senate where Democrats have the slimmest majority. It also makes conservative Justice Clarence Thomas the oldest member of the court at 73.

Among the names being circulated as potential nominees are California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, U.S. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, prominent civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill and U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs, whom Biden has nominated to be an appeals court. Childs is a favorite of Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., who made a crucial endorsement of Biden just before South Carolina's presidential primary in 2020.

Often overshadowed by his fellow liberal Ginsburg, Breyer authored two major opinions in support of abortion rights on a court closely divided over the issue, and he laid out his growing discomfort with the death penalty in a series of dissenting opinions in recent years.

Breyer’s views on displaying the Ten Commandments on government property illustrate his search for a middle ground. He was the only member of the court in the majority in twin cases in 2005 that barred Ten Commandments displays in two Kentucky courthouses, but allowed one to remain on the grounds of the state capitol in Austin, Texas.

In more than 27 years on the court, Breyer has been an active and cheerful questioner during arguments, a frequent public speaker and quick with a joke, often at his own expense. He made a good natured appearance on a humorous National Public Radio program in 2007, failing to answer obscure questions about pop stars.

He is known for his elaborate, at times far-fetched, hypothetical questions to lawyers during arguments and he sometimes had the air of an absent-minded professor. In fact, he taught antitrust law at Harvard earlier in his professional career.

He also spent time working for the late Sen. Edward Kennedy when the Massachusetts Democrat was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. That experience, Breyer said, made him a firm believer in compromise.

Still, he could write fierce dissents, as he did in the Bush v. Gore case that effectively decided the 2000 election in favor of Republican George W. Bush. Breyer unsuccessfully urged his colleagues to return the case to the Florida courts so they could create “a constitutionally proper contest” by which to decide the winner.

And at the end of a trying term in June 2007 in which he found himself on the losing end of roughly two dozen 5-4 rulings, Breyer’s frustrations bubbled over as he summarized his dissent from a decision that invalidated public school integration plans.

“It is not often that so few have so quickly changed so much,” Breyer said in a packed courtroom, an ad-libbed line that was not part of his opinion.

His time working in the Senate led to his appointment by President Jimmy Carter as a federal appeals court judge in Boston, and he was confirmed with bipartisan support even after Carter’s defeat for reelection in 1980. Breyer served for 14 years on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals before moving up to the Supreme Court.

His 87-9 high-court confirmation was the last with fewer than 10 dissenting votes. Breyer’s opinions were notable because they never contained footnotes. Breyer was warned off such a writing device by Arthur Goldberg, the Supreme Court justice for whom Breyer clerked as a young lawyer.

“It is an important point to make if you believe, as I do, that the major function of an opinion is to explain to the audience of readers why it is that the court has reached that decision,” Breyer once said. “It’s not to prove that you’re right. You can’t prove that your right; there is no such proof.”

Born in San Francisco, Breyer became an Eagle Scout as a teenager and began a stellar academic career at Stanford, graduating with highest honors. He attended Oxford, where he received first-class honors in philosophy, politics and economics.

Breyer then attended Harvard’s law school, where he worked on the Law Review and graduated with highest honors.

Breyer’s first job after law school was as a law clerk to Goldberg. He then worked in the Justice Department’s antitrust division before splitting time as a Harvard law professor and a lawyer for the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Breyer and his wife, Joanna, a psychologist and daughter of the late British Conservative leader John Blakenham, have three children — daughters Chloe and Nell and a son, Michael — and six grandchildren.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643217782138.png" alt="Justice Stephen Breyer <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?443300-1/supreme-court-justice-stephen-breyer-discusses-law-tufts">during a 2018 interview </a>-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Justice Stephen Breyer <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?443300-1/supreme-court-justice-stephen-breyer-discusses-law-tufts">during a 2018 interview </a>-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Joe Biden an opening he has pledged to fill by naming the first Black woman to the high court, two sources told The Associated Press Wednesday.Breyer, 83, has been a pragmatic force on a court that has grown increasingly conservative in recent years, trying to forge majorities with more moderate justices right and left of center.The sources spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt Breyer's eventual announcement. NBC first reported the justice's plans.Breyer has been a justice since 1994, appointed by President Bill Clinton. Along with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Breyer opted not to step down the last time the Democrats controlled the White House and the Senate during Barack Obama’s presidency. Ginsburg died in September 2020, and then-President Donald Trump filled the vacancy with a conservative justice, Amy Coney Barrett.Breyer’s departure, expected over the summer, won’t change the 6-3 conservative advantage on the court because his replacement will be nominated by Biden and almost certainly confirmed by a Senate where Democrats have the slimmest majority. It also makes conservative Justice Clarence Thomas the oldest member of the court at 73.Among the names being circulated as potential nominees are California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, U.S. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, prominent civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill and U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs, whom Biden has nominated to be an appeals court. Childs is a favorite of Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., who made a crucial endorsement of Biden just before South Carolina's presidential primary in 2020.Often overshadowed by his fellow liberal Ginsburg, Breyer authored two major opinions in support of abortion rights on a court closely divided over the issue, and he laid out his growing discomfort with the death penalty in a series of dissenting opinions in recent years.Breyer’s views on displaying the Ten Commandments on government property illustrate his search for a middle ground. He was the only member of the court in the majority in twin cases in 2005 that barred Ten Commandments displays in two Kentucky courthouses, but allowed one to remain on the grounds of the state capitol in Austin, Texas.In more than 27 years on the court, Breyer has been an active and cheerful questioner during arguments, a frequent public speaker and quick with a joke, often at his own expense. He made a good natured appearance on a humorous National Public Radio program in 2007, failing to answer obscure questions about pop stars.He is known for his elaborate, at times far-fetched, hypothetical questions to lawyers during arguments and he sometimes had the air of an absent-minded professor. In fact, he taught antitrust law at Harvard earlier in his professional career.He also spent time working for the late Sen. Edward Kennedy when the Massachusetts Democrat was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. That experience, Breyer said, made him a firm believer in compromise.Still, he could write fierce dissents, as he did in the Bush v. Gore case that effectively decided the 2000 election in favor of Republican George W. Bush. Breyer unsuccessfully urged his colleagues to return the case to the Florida courts so they could create “a constitutionally proper contest” by which to decide the winner.And at the end of a trying term in June 2007 in which he found himself on the losing end of roughly two dozen 5-4 rulings, Breyer’s frustrations bubbled over as he summarized his dissent from a decision that invalidated public school integration plans.“It is not often that so few have so quickly changed so much,” Breyer said in a packed courtroom, an ad-libbed line that was not part of his opinion.His time working in the Senate led to his appointment by President Jimmy Carter as a federal appeals court judge in Boston, and he was confirmed with bipartisan support even after Carter’s defeat for reelection in 1980. Breyer served for 14 years on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals before moving up to the Supreme Court.His 87-9 high-court confirmation was the last with fewer than 10 dissenting votes. Breyer’s opinions were notable because they never contained footnotes. Breyer was warned off such a writing device by Arthur Goldberg, the Supreme Court justice for whom Breyer clerked as a young lawyer.“It is an important point to make if you believe, as I do, that the major function of an opinion is to explain to the audience of readers why it is that the court has reached that decision,” Breyer once said. “It’s not to prove that you’re right. You can’t prove that your right; there is no such proof.”Born in San Francisco, Breyer became an Eagle Scout as a teenager and began a stellar academic career at Stanford, graduating with highest honors. He attended Oxford, where he received first-class honors in philosophy, politics and economics.Breyer then attended Harvard’s law school, where he worked on the Law Review and graduated with highest honors.Breyer’s first job after law school was as a law clerk to Goldberg. He then worked in the Justice Department’s antitrust division before splitting time as a Harvard law professor and a lawyer for the Senate Judiciary Committee.Breyer and his wife, Joanna, a psychologist and daughter of the late British Conservative leader John Blakenham, have three children — daughters Chloe and Nell and a son, Michael — and six grandchildren.

Supreme Court Justice Breyer to retire; Biden to fill vacancy

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal September 2020 crash have made an arrest.

On Tuesday, members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; 26-year-old Gabriel Ortiz at the San Diego, CA County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Ortiz <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20074214">was booked for a </a>warrant issued in the 18th&nbsp;Judicial District for murder in the second degree, involuntary manslaughter (alternative) and three counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp; The charges stem from the collision. He is expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp; 

The passenger of the Sienna, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643215327769.png" alt="Ortiz-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Ortiz-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal September 2020 crash have made an arrest.On Tuesday, members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; 26-year-old Gabriel Ortiz at the San Diego, CA County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.Ortiz <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20074214">was booked for a </a>warrant issued in the 18th&nbsp;Judicial District for murder in the second degree, involuntary manslaughter (alternative) and three counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp; The charges stem from the collision. He is expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp; The passenger of the Sienna, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Man extradited from California after arrest for deadly Kan. crash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Drug Enforcement Administration division that includes Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois seized more of the dangerous drug fentanyl last year than in the two previous years combined.

The DEA’s St. Louis Division said Tuesday that agents and task force officers seized 188 kilograms of fentanyl last year, compared to 82 kilograms in 2020 and 104 kilograms in 2019. Investigators also seized a record 1,848 kilograms of methamphetamine — an all-time high — and 73 kilograms of heroin.

In addition, a news release said agents in the St. Louis division seized 347 weapons and stopped $15.8 million from reaching drug organization leaders.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat pain in pharmaceutical settings. The DEA said it is 50 times more potent than heroin.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Drug Enforcement Administration division that includes Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois seized more of the dangerous drug fentanyl last year than in the two previous years combined.The DEA’s St. Louis Division said Tuesday that agents and task force officers seized 188 kilograms of fentanyl last year, compared to 82 kilograms in 2020 and 104 kilograms in 2019. Investigators also seized a record 1,848 kilograms of methamphetamine — an all-time high — and 73 kilograms of heroin.In addition, a news release said agents in the St. Louis division seized 347 weapons and stopped $15.8 million from reaching drug organization leaders.Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to treat pain in pharmaceutical settings. The DEA said it is 50 times more potent than heroin.

Fentanyl seizures up sharply in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 14,163 to a total of 709,838, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The state reported 52 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,388.

<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.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 14,163 to a total of 709,838, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 52 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 7,388.<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.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 14,000 new cases, 52 more COVID deaths

RENO COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Monday in Reno County.

The Reno County Sheriff's office reported a&nbsp;2018 Ford Ecosport driven by 81-year-old Harold Zerger of Moundridge was southbound on Yoder Road at Trails West. He may have suffered a medical problem causing him to travel at a very slow speed or stop in the roadway. 

A pickup driven by a 17-year from Mount Hope rear-ended the Ford.

Fire and EMS extricated Zerger from the vehicle and transported him to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in critical condition.&nbsp; He was later transported to St Francis Hospital in Wichita where he died. The teen driver was not seriously injured and released to his parents. Zerger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Reno Co. Sheriff.

RENO COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Monday in Reno County.The Reno County Sheriff's office reported a&nbsp;2018 Ford Ecosport driven by 81-year-old Harold Zerger of Moundridge was southbound on Yoder Road at Trails West. He may have suffered a medical problem causing him to travel at a very slow speed or stop in the roadway. A pickup driven by a 17-year from Mount Hope rear-ended the Ford.Fire and EMS extricated Zerger from the vehicle and transported him to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in critical condition.&nbsp; He was later transported to St Francis Hospital in Wichita where he died. The teen driver was not seriously injured and released to his parents. Zerger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Reno Co. Sheriff.

81-year-old Kan. man dies from injuries in rear-end crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The tax filing season started this week, as the agency attempts a return to normal this year.

"This is just about on time," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "The last couple of years, it's been later when we started processing returns and that's been due to a number of problems, COVID, tax law changes, things that stop us from actually getting started. This is normal. It gives people time to file. Remember that your employers don't have to have your W-2s to you until the end of the month, so you've got plenty of time all the way into April. Just relax. Just because we've started processing doesn't mean you should rush."

In fact, because of a holiday in Washington D.C. that falls on April 15, you have until April 18 to file your federal return. Also, if you have children and received advance payments of the child tax credit, there's a letter you'll need for your taxes.

"It's a letter from the IRS, it's a 6419," Devine said. "It has the total amount of the advance child tax credit payments that you received during 2021. You're going to need that number to put on your tax return so you can get the other half of the credit. For example, if you have one child under six, the total credit is worth $3600. You could have gotten $1800 in monthly payments last year. Now you get to reconcile what you received with what you are eligible for."

In addition, a law designed to reduce fraud for those returns that get tax credits for kids is still in effect that will delay the processing of those returns.

"We're talking about the PATH Act," Devine said. "It was passed several years ago. It means that some refunds, anyone who is claiming either the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund will be held until at least February 15. There was a lot of fraud involved with those two credits. The IRS talked to Congress and the law was changed. Now, you have to get your W2s and other information by January 31. That gives the IRS two weeks to actually let the computers crunch the numbers and make sure what's reported on a return for those credits is what we're supposed to be getting."

If you have any questions on tax information, the best place to find answers is online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/">irs.gov</a>.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The tax filing season started this week, as the agency attempts a return to normal this year."This is just about on time," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "The last couple of years, it's been later when we started processing returns and that's been due to a number of problems, COVID, tax law changes, things that stop us from actually getting started. This is normal. It gives people time to file. Remember that your employers don't have to have your W-2s to you until the end of the month, so you've got plenty of time all the way into April. Just relax. Just because we've started processing doesn't mean you should rush."In fact, because of a holiday in Washington D.C. that falls on April 15, you have until April 18 to file your federal return. Also, if you have children and received advance payments of the child tax credit, there's a letter you'll need for your taxes."It's a letter from the IRS, it's a 6419," Devine said. "It has the total amount of the advance child tax credit payments that you received during 2021. You're going to need that number to put on your tax return so you can get the other half of the credit. For example, if you have one child under six, the total credit is worth $3600. You could have gotten $1800 in monthly payments last year. Now you get to reconcile what you received with what you are eligible for."In addition, a law designed to reduce fraud for those returns that get tax credits for kids is still in effect that will delay the processing of those returns."We're talking about the PATH Act," Devine said. "It was passed several years ago. It means that some refunds, anyone who is claiming either the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund will be held until at least February 15. There was a lot of fraud involved with those two credits. The IRS talked to Congress and the law was changed. Now, you have to get your W2s and other information by January 31. That gives the IRS two weeks to actually let the computers crunch the numbers and make sure what's reported on a return for those credits is what we're supposed to be getting."If you have any questions on tax information, the best place to find answers is online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/">irs.gov</a>.

IRS: Parents need to watch for letter on child tax credit payments

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man will stand trial for murder after a toddler used a gun to accidentally kill a teenager in June. 

Shawnee County District Judge David Debenham ruled Monday that prosecutors had enough evidence to try 22-year-old DeJuan Yelverton for first-degree murder and armed criminal action. 

The Topeka Capital-Journal reported Yelverton pleaded not guilty to the two charges. He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. Prosecutors allege Yelverton left a gun hanging off the top of a refrigerator. A toddler later got the loaded gun and accidentally shot 13-year-old DaMya Hudnall in the head.  She died a few days later.

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Prosecutors have charged the owner of a gun found in a Topeka home by toddlers, who then accidentally shot a 13-year-old girl.

&nbsp;Dejuan Thomas Yelverton, 22, Topeka, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child endangerment and criminal possession of a gun by a felon, according to&nbsp;Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay.

Yelverton owned the gun that was found by toddlers Saturday morning. As the children were handling the gun, it fired, hitting 13-year-old DaMya Hudnall in the back of the head. DaMay was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623976671929.png" alt="Yelverton-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Yelverton-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man will stand trial for murder after a toddler used a gun to accidentally kill a teenager in June. Shawnee County District Judge David Debenham ruled Monday that prosecutors had enough evidence to try 22-year-old DeJuan Yelverton for first-degree murder and armed criminal action. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported Yelverton pleaded not guilty to the two charges. He pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. Prosecutors allege Yelverton left a gun hanging off the top of a refrigerator. A toddler later got the loaded gun and accidentally shot 13-year-old DaMya Hudnall in the head. She died a few days later.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY— Prosecutors have charged the owner of a gun found in a Topeka home by toddlers, who then accidentally shot a 13-year-old girl.&nbsp;Dejuan Thomas Yelverton, 22, Topeka, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child endangerment and criminal possession of a gun by a felon, according to&nbsp;Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay.Yelverton owned the gun that was found by toddlers Saturday morning. As the children were handling the gun, it fired, hitting 13-year-old DaMya Hudnall in the back of the head. DaMay was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. She died after being taken off life support Tuesday. Yelverton is being held in the Shawnee County Jail on $250,000 bond.&nbsp;Kagay requested a $1,000,000 bond. Yelverton is scheduled to appear at 3:30p.m. on June 24, 2021 for a scheduling conference in the case.