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 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 killed mom pleads to lesser charges

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States will soon have a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the nation.

The House voted 415-14 Wednesday to make Juneteenth, or June 19th, the 12th federal holiday. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk, and he is expected to sign it into law.

Juneteenth commemorates the day the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free. Confederate soldiers surrendered in April 1865, but word didn’t reach the last enslaved Black people until June 19, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to Galveston, Texas. That was also about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states.

It’s the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983.

“Our federal holidays are purposely few in number and recognize the most important milestones,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. “I cannot think of a more important milestone to commemorate than the end of slavery in the United States.”

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, speaking next to a large poster of a Black man whose back bore massive scarring from being whipped, said she would be in Galveston this Saturday to celebrate along with Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas.

“Can you imagine?” said the rather short Jackson Lee. “I will be standing maybe taller than Sen. Cornyn, forgive me for that, because it will be such an elevation of joy.”

The Senate passed the bill a day earlier under a unanimous consent agreement that expedites the process for considering legislation. It takes just one senator’s objection to block such agreements.

“Please, let us do as the Senate. Vote unanimously for passage,” Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., pleaded with his colleagues.

The vote comes as lawmakers struggle to overcome divisions on police reform legislation following the killing of George Floyd by police and as Republican state legislators push what experts say is an unprecedented number of bills aimed at restricting access to the ballot box. While Republicans say the goal is to prevent voter fraud, Democrats contend that the measures are aimed at undermining minority voting rights.

Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus took to the floor to speak in favor of the bill. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., said she viewed Juneteenth as a commemoration rather than a celebration because it represented something that was delayed in happening.

“It also reminds me of what we don’t have today,” she said. “And that is full access to justice, freedom and equality. All these are often in short supply as it relates to the Black community.”

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and had 60 co-sponsors. Democratic leaders moved quickly to bring the bill to the House floor after the Senate’s vote the day before.

Some Republican lawmakers opposed the effort. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., said creating the federal holiday was an effort to celebrate “identity politics.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623892661718.png" alt="Image courtesy Junetenth ICT" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Junetenth ICT</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States will soon have a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the nation.The House voted 415-14 Wednesday to make Juneteenth, or June 19th, the 12th federal holiday. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk, and he is expected to sign it into law.Juneteenth commemorates the day the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free. Confederate soldiers surrendered in April 1865, but word didn’t reach the last enslaved Black people until June 19, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to Galveston, Texas. That was also about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states.It’s the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983.“Our federal holidays are purposely few in number and recognize the most important milestones,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. “I cannot think of a more important milestone to commemorate than the end of slavery in the United States.”Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, speaking next to a large poster of a Black man whose back bore massive scarring from being whipped, said she would be in Galveston this Saturday to celebrate along with Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas.“Can you imagine?” said the rather short Jackson Lee. “I will be standing maybe taller than Sen. Cornyn, forgive me for that, because it will be such an elevation of joy.”The Senate passed the bill a day earlier under a unanimous consent agreement that expedites the process for considering legislation. It takes just one senator’s objection to block such agreements.“Please, let us do as the Senate. Vote unanimously for passage,” Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., pleaded with his colleagues.The vote comes as lawmakers struggle to overcome divisions on police reform legislation following the killing of George Floyd by police and as Republican state legislators push what experts say is an unprecedented number of bills aimed at restricting access to the ballot box. While Republicans say the goal is to prevent voter fraud, Democrats contend that the measures are aimed at undermining minority voting rights.Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus took to the floor to speak in favor of the bill. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., said she viewed Juneteenth as a commemoration rather than a celebration because it represented something that was delayed in happening.“It also reminds me of what we don’t have today,” she said. “And that is full access to justice, freedom and equality. All these are often in short supply as it relates to the Black community.”The bill was sponsored by Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and had 60 co-sponsors. Democratic leaders moved quickly to bring the bill to the House floor after the Senate’s vote the day before.Some Republican lawmakers opposed the effort. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., said creating the federal holiday was an effort to celebrate “identity politics.”

Congress approves bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday

Hill's Pet Nutrition is seeking Operations Assistants at their Emporia location. Relocation assistance is offered within the region with a starting rate of $18 per hour.

Apply at <a href="https://jobs.colgate.com">https://jobs.colgate.com</a>

This position will have primary responsibility for assisting Operations Technicians with the preparation and execution of startup, changeovers, and line shut down, executing the master sanitation functions, coordination of production materials, safety compliance, data collection, maintaining 5S Visual Workplace and overall production support. The Operations Assistant will also be responsible to work within a structure that requires considerable interaction with others in the same production unit as well as other production units and support functions.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please contact <a href="mailto:Application_Accommodation@colpal.com">Application_Accommodation@colpal.com</a> with the subject "Accommodation Request" should you require accommodation.

Are you interested in working for Hill's Pet Nutrition? You can apply online and attach all relevant documents such as a cover letter and resume or CV. Applications received by e-mail are not considered in the selection process. Become part of our team. We look forward to your application. To learn more about Hill's and Colgate, please visit <a href="http://www.hillspet.com">http://www.hillspet.com</a> and <a href="http://www.colgatepalmolive.com">http://www.colgatepalmolive.com</a>, or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623893271128.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hill's Pet Nutrition is seeking Operations Assistants at their Emporia location. Relocation assistance is offered within the region with a starting rate of $18 per hour.Apply at <a href="https://jobs.colgate.com">https://jobs.colgate.com</a>This position will have primary responsibility for assisting Operations Technicians with the preparation and execution of startup, changeovers, and line shut down, executing the master sanitation functions, coordination of production materials, safety compliance, data collection, maintaining 5S Visual Workplace and overall production support. The Operations Assistant will also be responsible to work within a structure that requires considerable interaction with others in the same production unit as well as other production units and support functions.Principal Duties and Responsibilities:<ul>
 <li>Understands and is responsible for full compliance and following of all Quality, GMP's, AIB and Micro (C&amp;S Guidelines), EOHS, and safety standards and guidelines.</li><li>Assist with startup, changeovers, and line shut down of automated and manual equipment throughout the production facility.</li><li>Performs Housekeeping activities as per master sanitation schedule, and conducts/participates in area housekeeping assessments as required to meet all GMP's, FDA and AIB requirements.</li><li>Responsible to support line operations during lunches, breaks and coverage for open positions.</li><li>Responsible for finished goods preparation and inspection, including top cap placement, inspection check list, legible date codes, and quality of bag seals.</li><li>Production line waste removal and disposal according to Standard Operating Procedures.</li><li>Responsible for cleaning and sanitation of equipment throughout the production areas during operation. Trained in LOTO, chemical handling, PPE, etc.</li><li>Understand and comply with Hill's policies, safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety. Identify and report Food safety issues to management.</li><li>Responsible for managing Dum back/Regrind/Reblend product movement.</li><li>Supports packaging lines with staging of resources needed based on the production schedule including hand stacking of all bag sizes.</li><li>Attends the Shift Transition Meeting to understand current shift production schedule.</li><li>Contribution of additional work hours when needed to meet business demands.</li>
 </ul>Basic qualifications include:<ul>
 <li>High school diploma or equivalent.</li><li>Must be able to work any shift schedule, including nights and weekends.</li><li>Ability to bend, climb, and work in confined spaces, and work in hazardous condition spaces for up to twelve hours per day.</li><li>Ability to push totes containing product up to 750 lbs.</li><li>Ability to work in extreme weather conditions with temperature ranges from cold to hot and humid.</li><li>Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, repeatedly.</li><li>Use a stand-up or sit-down forklift, intermittently for up to twelve hours per day.</li><li>Walk unlimited distances each day.</li>
 </ul>Preferred qualifications include:<ul>
 <li>Technical college/vocational school certificate or Associates degree in Manufacturing-related area preferred.</li><li>Ability to use hazardous materials.</li><li>Food safety experience including cleaning and sanitation of equipment.</li>
 </ul>Equal Opportunity EmployerColgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please contact <a href="mailto:Application_Accommodation@colpal.com">Application_Accommodation@colpal.com</a> with the subject "Accommodation Request" should you require accommodation.Are you interested in working for Hill's Pet Nutrition? You can apply online and attach all relevant documents such as a cover letter and resume or CV. Applications received by e-mail are not considered in the selection process. Become part of our team. We look forward to your application. To learn more about Hill's and Colgate, please visit <a href="http://www.hillspet.com">http://www.hillspet.com</a> and <a href="http://www.colgatepalmolive.com">http://www.colgatepalmolive.com</a>, or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Man given rare medical release from Kan. prison has died

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Officials are working to determine the cause of a Kansas house fire.

The Topeka Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 6219 Southwest Murrow Court, just

Just before 5:00 a.m.. on Wednesday, fire crews responded to a house fire at 6219 Southwest Murrow Court in Topeka, according to spokesman Alan Stahl.

When crews arrived the single-story home was fully evolved in flames. Due to the extensive amount of fire, firefighters began an exterior defensive fire attack. The house next door sustained minor heat damage to its siding. 

&nbsp;Neighbors reported an individual had been staying at the house. Officials found this person and confirmed they were safe.

The estimated dollar loss is $24,910 all of which is associated with structural loss. No working smoke detectors were located within the home, according to Stahl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623858216821.png" alt="Wednesday morning fire photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday morning fire photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Officials are working to determine the cause of a Kansas house fire.The Topeka Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 6219 Southwest Murrow Court, justJust before 5:00 a.m.. on Wednesday, fire crews responded to a house fire at 6219 Southwest Murrow Court in Topeka, according to spokesman Alan Stahl.When crews arrived the single-story home was fully evolved in flames. Due to the extensive amount of fire, firefighters began an exterior defensive fire attack. The house next door sustained minor heat damage to its siding. &nbsp;Neighbors reported an individual had been staying at the house. Officials found this person and confirmed they were safe.The estimated dollar loss is $24,910 all of which is associated with structural loss. No working smoke detectors were located within the home, according to Stahl.

Fire does extensive damage to Kansas home

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A swath of southern Missouri is seeing a big rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations at just the wrong time — as tourists eager to get out after being cooped up for a year make their way to popular destinations such as Branson and Lake of the Ozarks.

Data from the state health department's COVID-19 dashboard on Wednesday showed 206 people hospitalized with the virus in southwestern Missouri — nearly double the 111 hospitalizations from that region at the start of May. The number of people in intensive care units in the region has tripled — from 22 a month-and-a-half ago to 65 now. Meanwhile, statewide hospitalizations have remained steady since March.

Health experts cite two factors driving the surge: The presence of the faster-spreading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ri-state-wire-ma-state-wire-rhode-island-coronavirus-pandemic-health-2f4d5b969789da5609eff23faf1f9e32">Delta variant</a>, and a reluctance among residents to get vaccinated.

While 52.6% of Americans have initiated vaccination, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most southern Missouri counties are well short of 40%. Branson sits in Taney and Stone counties, where the vaccination rates as of Wednesday were 27.4% and 28.4% respectively. Miller County, at Lake of the Ozarks, had a vaccination rate of 22.9%.

“We think that with the Delta variant here, those that aren’t vaccinated are just sitting ducks," said Steve Edwards, CEO of CoxHealth, which operates several hospitals in the region.

Memorial Day marked the unofficial beginning of the tourism season, and big crowds are gathering again at Branson's popular shows and attractions, and at the beaches, resorts and entertainment areas around the Lake of the Ozarks.

Jason Outman, CEO of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, said Branson set a record with 9.1 million visitors in 2019. That number dropped to 6.3 million last year amid the pandemic, and tourism tax revenue fell 30%.

The rebound has been huge. So far in 2021, Branson is on pace to top 2019 attendance and tax revenue, Outman said. He doesn’t believe the uptick in coronavirus cases will do anything to dampen the resurgence.

“We’re seeing individuals that are just ready to come and have fun and experience what Branson has to offer,” Outman said.

Lisa Rau at the Branson area amusement park Silver Dollar City agreed. She said visitors are enthusiastic even though the park continues with precautions, which include frequent disinfecting, crowd limits and asking the unvaccinated to wear masks.

“People are wanting to get out and travel, they’re wanting to get to the outdoor activities, which is something we have an abundance of,” Rau said.

But health leaders are worried about the emerging presence of the Delta variant in southern Missouri. The variant was first detected in India and is a more transmissible version of the disease. It currently makes up 6% of all cases in the U.S.

The variant is also believed to be responsible for a surge in northern Missouri. CDC data shows that some of the counties with the highest per capita increases in the nation are in the state's sparsely populated northern tier.

While those counties have higher per capita cases, southern Missouri counties are seeing big jumps in actual cases.

Greene County, which includes Springfield, reported 375 new cases in the past seven days — the most in the state. By contrast, St. Louis city, whose population of 300,000 is roughly the same as Greene County's, had 74 new cases over the same seven days. Taney County had 88 new cases over the same period.

New cases also are rising in counties along the Lake of the Ozarks, including Camden and Miller counties. The lake region&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a7d5e0a595343857caa5bb903e9598a8">drew national attention</a>&nbsp;during the Memorial Day weekend of 2020 when hundreds of people gathered at bars and swimming area as the coronavirus was spreading across the U.S.

New restrictions are unlikely. Political leaders, business operators and residents in Branson and the Lake of the Ozarks region were overwhelmingly opposed to mask mandates and other measures last year, even at the height of the pandemic.

Edwards said he fears the surge will worsen. The CoxHealth hospitals in southwestern Missouri have seen the number of patients triple to just under 60 since late May.

“We have worries,” he said. “I hope we don’t hit our high water marks from this winter where we had as many as 170 COVID-positive patients in-house. But I don’t think we’ve hit our peak this summer yet, either.”

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A swath of southern Missouri is seeing a big rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations at just the wrong time — as tourists eager to get out after being cooped up for a year make their way to popular destinations such as Branson and Lake of the Ozarks.Data from the state health department's COVID-19 dashboard on Wednesday showed 206 people hospitalized with the virus in southwestern Missouri — nearly double the 111 hospitalizations from that region at the start of May. The number of people in intensive care units in the region has tripled — from 22 a month-and-a-half ago to 65 now. Meanwhile, statewide hospitalizations have remained steady since March.Health experts cite two factors driving the surge: The presence of the faster-spreading&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ri-state-wire-ma-state-wire-rhode-island-coronavirus-pandemic-health-2f4d5b969789da5609eff23faf1f9e32">Delta variant</a>, and a reluctance among residents to get vaccinated.While 52.6% of Americans have initiated vaccination, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most southern Missouri counties are well short of 40%. Branson sits in Taney and Stone counties, where the vaccination rates as of Wednesday were 27.4% and 28.4% respectively. Miller County, at Lake of the Ozarks, had a vaccination rate of 22.9%.“We think that with the Delta variant here, those that aren’t vaccinated are just sitting ducks," said Steve Edwards, CEO of CoxHealth, which operates several hospitals in the region.Memorial Day marked the unofficial beginning of the tourism season, and big crowds are gathering again at Branson's popular shows and attractions, and at the beaches, resorts and entertainment areas around the Lake of the Ozarks.Jason Outman, CEO of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, said Branson set a record with 9.1 million visitors in 2019. That number dropped to 6.3 million last year amid the pandemic, and tourism tax revenue fell 30%.The rebound has been huge. So far in 2021, Branson is on pace to top 2019 attendance and tax revenue, Outman said. He doesn’t believe the uptick in coronavirus cases will do anything to dampen the resurgence.“We’re seeing individuals that are just ready to come and have fun and experience what Branson has to offer,” Outman said.Lisa Rau at the Branson area amusement park Silver Dollar City agreed. She said visitors are enthusiastic even though the park continues with precautions, which include frequent disinfecting, crowd limits and asking the unvaccinated to wear masks.“People are wanting to get out and travel, they’re wanting to get to the outdoor activities, which is something we have an abundance of,” Rau said.But health leaders are worried about the emerging presence of the Delta variant in southern Missouri. The variant was first detected in India and is a more transmissible version of the disease. It currently makes up 6% of all cases in the U.S.The variant is also believed to be responsible for a surge in northern Missouri. CDC data shows that some of the counties with the highest per capita increases in the nation are in the state's sparsely populated northern tier.While those counties have higher per capita cases, southern Missouri counties are seeing big jumps in actual cases.Greene County, which includes Springfield, reported 375 new cases in the past seven days — the most in the state. By contrast, St. Louis city, whose population of 300,000 is roughly the same as Greene County's, had 74 new cases over the same seven days. Taney County had 88 new cases over the same period.New cases also are rising in counties along the Lake of the Ozarks, including Camden and Miller counties. The lake region&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/a7d5e0a595343857caa5bb903e9598a8">drew national attention</a>&nbsp;during the Memorial Day weekend of 2020 when hundreds of people gathered at bars and swimming area as the coronavirus was spreading across the U.S.New restrictions are unlikely. Political leaders, business operators and residents in Branson and the Lake of the Ozarks region were overwhelmingly opposed to mask mandates and other measures last year, even at the height of the pandemic.Edwards said he fears the surge will worsen. The CoxHealth hospitals in southwestern Missouri have seen the number of patients triple to just under 60 since late May.“We have worries,” he said. “I hope we don’t hit our high water marks from this winter where we had as many as 170 COVID-positive patients in-house. But I don’t think we’ve hit our peak this summer yet, either.”

COVID-19 cases rise in Missouri areas popular among tourists

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a teen to the hospital.

Just after 2 am on Tuesday, police heard multiple shots near the area of the Patrol North substation in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; A 911 call was then dispatched regarding a shooting in the 1500 block of N. Chautauqua.

As officers were en route to that location, they learned that an 18-year-old shooting victim had been dropped off at an area hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.&nbsp; 

Investigators&nbsp;located a crime scene in the 1500 block of N Chautauqua, but cooperation from victim and witnesses was limited, according to Macy.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a teen to the hospital.Just after 2 am on Tuesday, police heard multiple shots near the area of the Patrol North substation in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; A 911 call was then dispatched regarding a shooting in the 1500 block of N. Chautauqua.As officers were en route to that location, they learned that an 18-year-old shooting victim had been dropped off at an area hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.&nbsp; Investigators&nbsp;located a crime scene in the 1500 block of N Chautauqua, but cooperation from victim and witnesses was limited, according to Macy.

Kan. teen injured in shooting is uncooperative with police

ROOKS COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Rooks County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Mazda pickup driven by Braden Higdon, 23, Stockton,&nbsp; was eastbound on U.S. 24 nine miles east of Stockton.&nbsp;

The pickup rear-ended a 2013 Ford pickup driven by Staci Ketelsen, 41, Stockton, who had&nbsp;started to slow down to turn right into her driveway. 

After the crash, the Mazda&nbsp; continued eastbound, entered the north ditch and caught fire.

Higdon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Plumer Overlease Funeral Home. EMS transported Ketelsen to the hospital in Plainville. The KHP did not have complete seat belt information due to the fire.

ROOKS COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Rooks County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Mazda pickup driven by Braden Higdon, 23, Stockton,&nbsp; was eastbound on U.S. 24 nine miles east of Stockton.&nbsp;The pickup rear-ended a 2013 Ford pickup driven by Staci Ketelsen, 41, Stockton, who had&nbsp;started to slow down to turn right into her driveway. After the crash, the Mazda&nbsp; continued eastbound, entered the north ditch and caught fire.Higdon was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Plumer Overlease Funeral Home. EMS transported Ketelsen to the hospital in Plainville. The KHP did not have complete seat belt information due to the fire.

Kansas man dies after rear-end pickup crash, fire

TOPEKA —On Wednesday, Governor Laura Kelly appointed Carl Ice,&nbsp;Dr. Cynthia Lane, and Wint Winter to the Kansas Board of Regents.

“These individuals are highly qualified, forward-thinking, and committed to safeguarding our state’s world-class higher education system,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “I look forward to working with them and the entire Board of Regents to develop sustainable partnerships with education stakeholders, implement top tier workforce development programs, and leverage our colleges and universities as engines for economic growth.”

Carl Ice is the former President and CEO of BNSF Railway, where he worked for 42 years. Ice is currently the Vice Chairman of the KSU Foundation Board of Directors, a member of the Salvation Army National Board of Directors, and a former member of the KSU Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Advisory Council. Ice received an A.A. from Coffeyville Community College and a B.S. in industrial engineering from Kansas State University.

Dr. Cynthia Lane has more than 36 years of professional experience in the field of education. Dr. Lane is currently the CEO of Evolve Education Leadership L.L.C. and serves on both the Governor’s Council of Education and the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council. Dr. Lane was the superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools from 2010 to 2018, and received her Ed.D. from the University of Kansas along with her M.S. and B.S. Ed. from Pittsburg State University.

Wint Winter is a fifth-generation Kansan. He is currently a Partner at Stevens &amp; Brand, L.L.P., and previously was CEO and Co-Chairman of Peoples Bank &amp; Peoples, Inc. Winter served in the Kansas Senate from 1982-1992, and received a B.A. and J.D. from the University of Kansas.

The Kansas Board of Regents is a bipartisan, nine-member board composed of members who serve for a staggered period of four years. Each member is appointed by the Governor, and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

TOPEKA —On Wednesday, Governor Laura Kelly appointed Carl Ice,&nbsp;Dr. Cynthia Lane, and Wint Winter to the Kansas Board of Regents.“These individuals are highly qualified, forward-thinking, and committed to safeguarding our state’s world-class higher education system,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “I look forward to working with them and the entire Board of Regents to develop sustainable partnerships with education stakeholders, implement top tier workforce development programs, and leverage our colleges and universities as engines for economic growth.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623867107856.png" alt="Carl Ice" />
 <figcaption>Carl Ice</figcaption>
 </figure>Carl Ice is the former President and CEO of BNSF Railway, where he worked for 42 years. Ice is currently the Vice Chairman of the KSU Foundation Board of Directors, a member of the Salvation Army National Board of Directors, and a former member of the KSU Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Advisory Council. Ice received an A.A. from Coffeyville Community College and a B.S. in industrial engineering from Kansas State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623867146184.png" alt="Dr. Cynthia Lane" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Cynthia Lane</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Cynthia Lane has more than 36 years of professional experience in the field of education. Dr. Lane is currently the CEO of Evolve Education Leadership L.L.C. and serves on both the Governor’s Council of Education and the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council. Dr. Lane was the superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools from 2010 to 2018, and received her Ed.D. from the University of Kansas along with her M.S. and B.S. Ed. from Pittsburg State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623867211471.png" alt="Wint Winter" />
 <figcaption>Wint Winter</figcaption>
 </figure>Wint Winter is a fifth-generation Kansan. He is currently a Partner at Stevens &amp; Brand, L.L.P., and previously was CEO and Co-Chairman of Peoples Bank &amp; Peoples, Inc. Winter served in the Kansas Senate from 1982-1992, and received a B.A. and J.D. from the University of Kansas.The Kansas Board of Regents is a bipartisan, nine-member board composed of members who serve for a staggered period of four years. Each member is appointed by the Governor, and subject to confirmation by the Senate.\

Gov. names 3 new members to the Kansas Board of Regents

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Biden administration’s suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water was blocked Tuesday by a federal judge in Louisiana who ordered that plans continue for lease sales that were delayed for the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska waters “and all eligible onshore properties.”

The decision is a blow to Democratic President Joe Biden’s efforts to rapidly transition the nation away from fossil fuels and thereby stave off the worst effects of climate change, including catastrophic droughts, floods and wildfires.

U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty’s ruling came in a lawsuit filed in March by Louisiana Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and officials in 12 other states. Doughty said his ruling applies nationwide. It grants a preliminary injunction — technically a halt to the suspension pending further arguments on the merits of the case.

“The omission of any rational explanation in cancelling the lease sales, and in enacting the Pause, results in this Court ruling that Plaintiff States also have a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of this claim,” he wrote.

“We are reviewing the judge’s opinion and will comply with the decision,” Melissa Schwartz of the Interior Department said in an email. “The Interior Department continues to work on an interim report that will include initial findings on the state of the federal conventional energy programs, as well as outline next steps and recommendations for the Department and Congress to improve stewardship of public lands and waters, create jobs, and build a just and equitable energy future.”

The moratorium was imposed after Biden on Jan. 27&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-executive-order-e465713362ebbd82bf98acb65a66ea84">signed executive orders</a>&nbsp;to fight climate change. The suit was filed in March. The Interior Department later canceled oil and gas lease sales from public lands through June — affecting Nevada, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and the bureau’s eastern region.

Biden’s orders included a call for Interior officials to review if the leasing program unfairly benefits companies at the expense of taxpayers, as well as the program’s impact on climate change.

The 13 states that sued said the administration bypassed comment periods and other bureaucratic steps required before such delays can be undertaken, and that the moratorium would cost the states money and jobs. Doughty heard arguments in the case last week in Lafayette.

Federal lawyers argued that the public notice and comment period doesn’t apply to the suspension, that the lease sales aren’t required by law and that the Secretary of the Interior has broad discretion in leasing decisions.

“No existing lease has been cancelled as a result of any of the actions challenged here, and development activity from exploration through drilling and production has continued at similar levels as the preceding four years,” lawyers for the administration argued in briefs.

But Doughty sided with the plaintiff states attorneys, who argued that the delay of new leasing cost states revenue from rents and royalties.

“Millions and possibly billions of dollars are at stake,” wrote Doughty, who was nominated to the federal bench by President Donald Trump in 2017.

“Local government funding, jobs for Plaintiff State workers, and funds for the restoration of Louisiana’s Coastline are at stake,” he added, alluding to a possible loss of oil and gas revenue that pays for Louisiana efforts to restore coastal wetlands.

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia are the other plaintiff states.

“This is a victory not only for the rule of law, but also for the thousands of workers who produce affordable energy for Americans,” Landry said in a statement issued shortly after the ruling.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Biden administration’s suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water was blocked Tuesday by a federal judge in Louisiana who ordered that plans continue for lease sales that were delayed for the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska waters “and all eligible onshore properties.”The decision is a blow to Democratic President Joe Biden’s efforts to rapidly transition the nation away from fossil fuels and thereby stave off the worst effects of climate change, including catastrophic droughts, floods and wildfires.U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty’s ruling came in a lawsuit filed in March by Louisiana Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and officials in 12 other states. Doughty said his ruling applies nationwide. It grants a preliminary injunction — technically a halt to the suspension pending further arguments on the merits of the case.“The omission of any rational explanation in cancelling the lease sales, and in enacting the Pause, results in this Court ruling that Plaintiff States also have a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of this claim,” he wrote.“We are reviewing the judge’s opinion and will comply with the decision,” Melissa Schwartz of the Interior Department said in an email. “The Interior Department continues to work on an interim report that will include initial findings on the state of the federal conventional energy programs, as well as outline next steps and recommendations for the Department and Congress to improve stewardship of public lands and waters, create jobs, and build a just and equitable energy future.”The moratorium was imposed after Biden on Jan. 27&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-executive-order-e465713362ebbd82bf98acb65a66ea84">signed executive orders</a>&nbsp;to fight climate change. The suit was filed in March. The Interior Department later canceled oil and gas lease sales from public lands through June — affecting Nevada, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and the bureau’s eastern region.Biden’s orders included a call for Interior officials to review if the leasing program unfairly benefits companies at the expense of taxpayers, as well as the program’s impact on climate change.The 13 states that sued said the administration bypassed comment periods and other bureaucratic steps required before such delays can be undertaken, and that the moratorium would cost the states money and jobs. Doughty heard arguments in the case last week in Lafayette.Federal lawyers argued that the public notice and comment period doesn’t apply to the suspension, that the lease sales aren’t required by law and that the Secretary of the Interior has broad discretion in leasing decisions.“No existing lease has been cancelled as a result of any of the actions challenged here, and development activity from exploration through drilling and production has continued at similar levels as the preceding four years,” lawyers for the administration argued in briefs.But Doughty sided with the plaintiff states attorneys, who argued that the delay of new leasing cost states revenue from rents and royalties.“Millions and possibly billions of dollars are at stake,” wrote Doughty, who was nominated to the federal bench by President Donald Trump in 2017.“Local government funding, jobs for Plaintiff State workers, and funds for the restoration of Louisiana’s Coastline are at stake,” he added, alluding to a possible loss of oil and gas revenue that pays for Louisiana efforts to restore coastal wetlands.Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia are the other plaintiff states.“This is a victory not only for the rule of law, but also for the thousands of workers who produce affordable energy for Americans,” Landry said in a statement issued shortly after the ruling.___

Federal judge blocks pause on sale of new oil, gas leases

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 329 to a total of 316,343, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 3 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5128.

<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 329 to a total of 316,343, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 3 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5128.<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/2021/6/1623863074420.png" alt="Wednesday June 16, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday June 16, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities arrested a golfer on Monday after a fight during a golf tournament&nbsp;at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton.

The victim identified as Southern California native and former University of Alabama-Birmingham golfer&nbsp;<a href="https://uabsports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/austen-dailey/1741">Austen Dailey </a>and suspect identified as 20-year-old <a href="https://utmsports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster">Luke Smith, a University</a> of Tennessee Martin sophomore <a href="https://utmsports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/luke-smith/1882">from Covington, Tennessee,</a> were golfing together as part of a qualifying event for the PGA Korn Ferry Tour Wichita Open, according to a media release from Newton Police.

An argument began when Smith and his father/caddy refused to help Dailey look for an errant golf ball in the rough. 

Smith then punched Dailey in the face and tackled him to the ground. He held Dailey down until he said “uncle,” and then released him.

Newton Police arrested Smith and booked him into the Harvey County Detention Center on a requested charge of misdemeanor battery. The report will be forwarded to the Newton City Prosecutor’s Office for review of charges.

The Korn Ferry Tour has said little about the incident since the two golfers involved are not current members of their tour.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623855329259.png" alt="Luke Smith-photo Harvey County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Luke Smith-photo Harvey County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities arrested a golfer on Monday after a fight during a golf tournament&nbsp;at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton.The victim identified as Southern California native and former University of Alabama-Birmingham golfer&nbsp;<a href="https://uabsports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/austen-dailey/1741">Austen Dailey </a>and suspect identified as 20-year-old <a href="https://utmsports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster">Luke Smith, a University</a> of Tennessee Martin sophomore <a href="https://utmsports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/luke-smith/1882">from Covington, Tennessee,</a> were golfing together as part of a qualifying event for the PGA Korn Ferry Tour Wichita Open, according to a media release from Newton Police.An argument began when Smith and his father/caddy refused to help Dailey look for an errant golf ball in the rough. Smith then punched Dailey in the face and tackled him to the ground. He held Dailey down until he said “uncle,” and then released him.Newton Police arrested Smith and booked him into the Harvey County Detention Center on a requested charge of misdemeanor battery. The report will be forwarded to the Newton City Prosecutor’s Office for review of charges.The Korn Ferry Tour has said little about the incident since the two golfers involved are not current members of their tour.

From putts to punches at golf tournament in Kansas 

GENEVA (AP) — President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have concluded their high-stake summit in Geneva. 

The pair met for nearly four hours on Wednesday, first in a smaller session and later in a larger meeting that was expanded to include more officials from both sides and which lasted about 65 minutes. 

Putin and then Biden are scheduled to hold press conferences before departing the summit site.

GENEVA (AP) — With stern expressions and polite words before the cameras, President Joe Biden and Russia’s Vladimir Putin plunged into hours of face-to-face talks Wednesday at a lush lakeside Swiss mansion, a highly anticipated summit at a time when both leaders say relations between their countries are at an all-time low.

Biden called it a discussion between “two great powers” and said it was “always better to meet face to face.” Putin said he hoped the talks would be “productive.”

The meeting in a book-lined room had a somewhat awkward beginning — both men appeared to avoid looking directly at each other during a brief and chaotic photo opportunity before a scrum of jostling reporters.

Biden nodded when a reporter asked if Putin could be trusted, but the White House quickly sent out a tweet insisting that the president was “very clearly not responding to any one question, but nodding in acknowledgment to the press generally.”

Putin ignored shouted questions from reporters, including whether he feared jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The two leaders did shake hands — Biden extended his hand first and smiled at the stoic Russian leader — moments earlier when they posed with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who welcomed them to Switzerland for the summit.

Biden and Putin first held a relatively intimate meeting joined by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Each side had a translator for the session, which lasted about an hour and a half. The meeting, after about a 40-minute break, then expanded to include senior aides on each side. Biden and Putin were expected to meet for a total of four to five hours of wide-ranging talks.

For months, they have traded sharp rhetoric. Biden has repeatedly called out Putin for malicious cyberattacks by Russian-based hackers on U.S. interests, for the jailing of Russia’s foremost opposition leader and for interference in American elections.

Putin has reacted with whatabout-isms and denials — pointing to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to argue that the U.S. has no business lecturing on democratic norms and insisting that the Russian government hasn’t been involved in any election interference or cyberattacks despite U.S. intelligence showing otherwise.

In advance of Wednesday’s meeting, both sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-europe-middle-east-summits-34b4222285bac602168eadf15a414f5e">set out to lower expectations.</a>

Even so, Biden said it was an important step if the United States and Russia were able to ultimately find “stability and predictability” in their relationship, a seemingly modest goal from the president for dealing with the person he sees as one of America’s fiercest adversaries.

“We should decide where it’s in our mutual interest, in the interest of the world, to cooperate, and see if we can do that,” Biden told reporters earlier this week. “And the areas where we don’t agree, make it clear what the red lines are.”

GENEVA (AP) — President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have finished the first round of their summit talks and are proceeding to the first of two larger meetings in Geneva. Biden and Putin first met accompanied by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and a pair of translators. 

Two additional sessions are planned Wednesday afternoon with the leaders to be joined by additional aides and translators. The U.S. and Russian leaders are meeting at a time that relations between their countries are at an all-time low. Their talks are expected to last four to five hours.

GENEVA (AP) — The White House says President Joe Biden was not suggesting to reporters that he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin with his reaction to a reporter’s question in Geneva. At the start of a high-stakes summit in Geneva, Biden appeared to suggest that he can take the Russian leader at his word, nodding his head during a photo opportunity when asked by a reporter if Putin can be trusted. 

Communications director Kate Beddingfield later said there was a “chaotic scrum with reporters shouting over each other” in that moment. She argued that Biden “was very clearly not responding to any one question” when a journalist asked if he trusted Putin. Bedingfield said Biden was “nodding in acknowledgment to the press generally.”

GENEVA (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked President Joe Biden and expressed wishes for a “productive” meeting as the two kicked off their meeting in Geneva. Putin told Biden upon first meeting him on Wednesday that he was thankful for the gathering as he knew the U.S. president “had a long trip and lots of work.” 

But the Russian president emphasized that there are “lots of questions accumulated in Russia-U.S. relations that require discussion on the highest level.” 

The two are expected to address everything from cybercrime to Russia’s alleged interference in U.S. elections during their meeting. Biden, who has spoken to Putin over the phone, told the Russian leader that “it is always better to meet face to face.”

GENEVA (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden and Russia’s Vladimir Putin sit down Wednesday for their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-donald-trump-joe-biden-biden-cabinet-g-7-summit-91b7d8f2a9ac0058ccba74ac36036ae1">highly anticipated summit</a>&nbsp;in the Swiss city of Geneva, a moment of high-stakes diplomacy at a time when both leaders agree that relations between their countries are at an all-time low.

For four months, the two leaders have traded sharp rhetoric. Biden repeatedly called out Putin for malicious cyberattacks by Russian-based hackers on U.S. interests, a disregard for democracy with the jailing of Russia’s foremost opposition leader and interference in American elections.

Putin, for his part, has reacted with whatabout-isms and obfuscations — pointing to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to argue that the U.S. has no business lecturing on democratic norms and insisting that the Russian government hasn’t been involved in any election interference or cyberattacks despite U.S. intelligence showing otherwise.

Now, the pair will meet for their first face-to-face as leaders — a conversation that is expected to last four to five hours. In advance, both sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-europe-middle-east-summits-34b4222285bac602168eadf15a414f5e">set out to lower expectations.</a>

Even so, Biden has said it would be an important step if the United States and Russia were able to ultimately find “stability and predictability” in their relationship, a seemingly modest goal from the president for dealing with the person he sees as one of America’s fiercest adversaries.

Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that no breakthroughs were expected and that “the situation is too difficult in Russian-American relations.””

“However, the fact that the two presidents agreed to meet and finally start to speak openly about the problems is already an achievement,” Peskov said several hours before the summit’s scheduled start time.

Arrangements for the meeting have been carefully choreographed and vigorously negotiated by both sides.

Biden first floated the meeting in an April phone call in which he informed Putin that he would be expelling several Russian diplomats and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ap-top-news-moscow-coronavirus-pandemic-elections-4c368f4734d5d1c5938645aa09641c79">imposing sanctions</a>&nbsp;against dozens of people and companies, part of an effort to hold the Kremlin accountable for interference in last year’s presidential election and the hacking of federal agencies.

Putin and his entourage will arrive first at the summit site: Villa La Grange, a grand lakeside mansion set in Geneva’s biggest park. Next come Biden and his team. Swiss President Guy Parmelin will greet the two leaders.

The three will spend a moment together in front of the cameras, but only Parmelin is expected to make remarks, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity.

Biden and Putin first will hold a relatively intimate meeting joined by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Each side will have a translator.

The meeting will then expand to include five senior aides on each side.

After the meeting concludes, Putin is scheduled to hold a solo news conference, with Biden following suit. The White House opted against a joint news conference, deciding it did not want to appear to elevate Putin at a moment when the president is urging European allies to pressure Putin to cut out myriad provocations.

Biden sees himself with few peers on foreign policy. He traveled the globe as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was given difficult foreign policy assignments by President Barack Obama when Biden was vice president. His portfolio included messy spots like Iraq and Ukraine and weighing the mettle of China’s Xi Jinping during his rise to power.

He has repeatedly said that he believes executing effective foreign policy comes from forming strong personal relations, and he has managed to find rapport with both the likes of Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom Biden has labeled an “autocrat,” and conventional politicians like Canada’s Justin Trudeau.

But with Putin, whom the president has “no soul,”&nbsp;<a href="ttps://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-donald-trump-joe-biden-europe-middle-east-fcf067acc9da94e9ffe7bd6a55a574cd" target="_blank">Biden has long been wary</a>. At the same time, he acknowledges that Putin, who remained the most powerful figure in Russian politics over the span of five U.S. presidents, is not without talent. Biden this week suggested that he is approaching his meeting with Putin carefully.

“He’s bright. He’s tough,” Biden said. “And I have found that he is a — as they say...a worthy adversary.”

The White House held on to hope of finding small areas of agreement.

No commitments have been made, but according to the senior administration official, there are hopes that both sides will return their ambassadors to their respective postings following the meeting. Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., Anatoly Antonov, was recalled from Washington about three months ago after Biden called Putin a killer; U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan left Moscow almost two months ago, after Russia suggested he return to Washington for consultations.

Both ambassadors will be in Geneva during Wednesday’s meeting.

Biden administration officials say they think common ground can be found on arms control. International arms control groups are pressing the Russian and American leaders to start a push for new arms control by holding “strategic stability” talks — a series of government-to-government discussions meant to sort through the many areas of disagreement and tension on the national security front.

The Biden team will press its concerns on cybersecurity. In recent months, Russia-based hackers have launched alarming attacks on a major U.S. oil pipeline and a Brazil-headquartered meat supplier that operates in the U.S.

The Russian side has said that the imprisonment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is an internal political matter and one area where Putin won’t engage Biden. But the senior Biden administration official said there “is no issue that is off the table for the president,” suggesting Navalny will come up.

The meeting is sure to invite comparisons with President Donald Trump’s 2018 meeting with Putin in Helsinki, where the two leaders held a joint news conference and Trump sided with Russian denials when asked whether Moscow had meddled in the 2016 presidential election.

Biden has prepared for his one-on-one by reviewing materials and consulting with officials across government and with outside advisers. Aides said the level of preparation wasn’t unusual. Biden, in a brief exchange with reporters upon a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-donald-trump-joe-biden-biden-cabinet-g-7-summit-91b7d8f2a9ac0058ccba74ac36036ae1">rriving in Geneva on Tuesday night</a>, sought to offer the impression that he wasn’t sweating his big meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623857775069.png" alt="President Joe Biden and the Russian President just ahead of their brief meeting on Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden and the Russian President just ahead of their brief meeting on Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>GENEVA (AP) — President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have concluded their high-stake summit in Geneva. The pair met for nearly four hours on Wednesday, first in a smaller session and later in a larger meeting that was expanded to include more officials from both sides and which lasted about 65 minutes. Putin and then Biden are scheduled to hold press conferences before departing the summit site.---------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623845475995.png" alt="Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Joe Biden as their summit begins in Geneva-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Joe Biden as their summit begins in Geneva-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>GENEVA (AP) — With stern expressions and polite words before the cameras, President Joe Biden and Russia’s Vladimir Putin plunged into hours of face-to-face talks Wednesday at a lush lakeside Swiss mansion, a highly anticipated summit at a time when both leaders say relations between their countries are at an all-time low.Biden called it a discussion between “two great powers” and said it was “always better to meet face to face.” Putin said he hoped the talks would be “productive.”The meeting in a book-lined room had a somewhat awkward beginning — both men appeared to avoid looking directly at each other during a brief and chaotic photo opportunity before a scrum of jostling reporters.Biden nodded when a reporter asked if Putin could be trusted, but the White House quickly sent out a tweet insisting that the president was “very clearly not responding to any one question, but nodding in acknowledgment to the press generally.”Putin ignored shouted questions from reporters, including whether he feared jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.The two leaders did shake hands — Biden extended his hand first and smiled at the stoic Russian leader — moments earlier when they posed with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who welcomed them to Switzerland for the summit.Biden and Putin first held a relatively intimate meeting joined by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Each side had a translator for the session, which lasted about an hour and a half. The meeting, after about a 40-minute break, then expanded to include senior aides on each side. Biden and Putin were expected to meet for a total of four to five hours of wide-ranging talks.For months, they have traded sharp rhetoric. Biden has repeatedly called out Putin for malicious cyberattacks by Russian-based hackers on U.S. interests, for the jailing of Russia’s foremost opposition leader and for interference in American elections.Putin has reacted with whatabout-isms and denials — pointing to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to argue that the U.S. has no business lecturing on democratic norms and insisting that the Russian government hasn’t been involved in any election interference or cyberattacks despite U.S. intelligence showing otherwise.In advance of Wednesday’s meeting, both sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-europe-middle-east-summits-34b4222285bac602168eadf15a414f5e">set out to lower expectations.</a>Even so, Biden said it was an important step if the United States and Russia were able to ultimately find “stability and predictability” in their relationship, a seemingly modest goal from the president for dealing with the person he sees as one of America’s fiercest adversaries.“We should decide where it’s in our mutual interest, in the interest of the world, to cooperate, and see if we can do that,” Biden told reporters earlier this week. “And the areas where we don’t agree, make it clear what the red lines are.”---------GENEVA (AP) — President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have finished the first round of their summit talks and are proceeding to the first of two larger meetings in Geneva. Biden and Putin first met accompanied by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and a pair of translators. Two additional sessions are planned Wednesday afternoon with the leaders to be joined by additional aides and translators. The U.S. and Russian leaders are meeting at a time that relations between their countries are at an all-time low. Their talks are expected to last four to five hours.-------------GENEVA (AP) — The White House says President Joe Biden was not suggesting to reporters that he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin with his reaction to a reporter’s question in Geneva. At the start of a high-stakes summit in Geneva, Biden appeared to suggest that he can take the Russian leader at his word, nodding his head during a photo opportunity when asked by a reporter if Putin can be trusted. Communications director Kate Beddingfield later said there was a “chaotic scrum with reporters shouting over each other” in that moment. She argued that Biden “was very clearly not responding to any one question” when a journalist asked if he trusted Putin. Bedingfield said Biden was “nodding in acknowledgment to the press generally.”----------GENEVA (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked President Joe Biden and expressed wishes for a “productive” meeting as the two kicked off their meeting in Geneva. Putin told Biden upon first meeting him on Wednesday that he was thankful for the gathering as he knew the U.S. president “had a long trip and lots of work.” But the Russian president emphasized that there are “lots of questions accumulated in Russia-U.S. relations that require discussion on the highest level.” The two are expected to address everything from cybercrime to Russia’s alleged interference in U.S. elections during their meeting. Biden, who has spoken to Putin over the phone, told the Russian leader that “it is always better to meet face to face.”--------GENEVA (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden and Russia’s Vladimir Putin sit down Wednesday for their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-donald-trump-joe-biden-biden-cabinet-g-7-summit-91b7d8f2a9ac0058ccba74ac36036ae1">highly anticipated summit</a>&nbsp;in the Swiss city of Geneva, a moment of high-stakes diplomacy at a time when both leaders agree that relations between their countries are at an all-time low.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623838573406.png" alt="President Biden has said it would be an important step if the United States and Russia were able to ultimately find “stability and predictability” in their relationship-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden has said it would be an important step if the United States and Russia were able to ultimately find “stability and predictability” in their relationship-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>For four months, the two leaders have traded sharp rhetoric. Biden repeatedly called out Putin for malicious cyberattacks by Russian-based hackers on U.S. interests, a disregard for democracy with the jailing of Russia’s foremost opposition leader and interference in American elections.Putin, for his part, has reacted with whatabout-isms and obfuscations — pointing to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to argue that the U.S. has no business lecturing on democratic norms and insisting that the Russian government hasn’t been involved in any election interference or cyberattacks despite U.S. intelligence showing otherwise.Now, the pair will meet for their first face-to-face as leaders — a conversation that is expected to last four to five hours. In advance, both sides&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-europe-middle-east-summits-34b4222285bac602168eadf15a414f5e">set out to lower expectations.</a>Even so, Biden has said it would be an important step if the United States and Russia were able to ultimately find “stability and predictability” in their relationship, a seemingly modest goal from the president for dealing with the person he sees as one of America’s fiercest adversaries.“We should decide where it’s in our mutual interest, in the interest of the world, to cooperate, and see if we can do that,” Biden told reporters earlier this week. “And the areas where we don’t agree, make it clear what the red lines are.”Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that no breakthroughs were expected and that “the situation is too difficult in Russian-American relations.””“However, the fact that the two presidents agreed to meet and finally start to speak openly about the problems is already an achievement,” Peskov said several hours before the summit’s scheduled start time.Arrangements for the meeting have been carefully choreographed and vigorously negotiated by both sides.Biden first floated the meeting in an April phone call in which he informed Putin that he would be expelling several Russian diplomats and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ap-top-news-moscow-coronavirus-pandemic-elections-4c368f4734d5d1c5938645aa09641c79">imposing sanctions</a>&nbsp;against dozens of people and companies, part of an effort to hold the Kremlin accountable for interference in last year’s presidential election and the hacking of federal agencies.Putin and his entourage will arrive first at the summit site: Villa La Grange, a grand lakeside mansion set in Geneva’s biggest park. Next come Biden and his team. Swiss President Guy Parmelin will greet the two leaders.The three will spend a moment together in front of the cameras, but only Parmelin is expected to make remarks, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity.Biden and Putin first will hold a relatively intimate meeting joined by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Each side will have a translator.The meeting will then expand to include five senior aides on each side.After the meeting concludes, Putin is scheduled to hold a solo news conference, with Biden following suit. The White House opted against a joint news conference, deciding it did not want to appear to elevate Putin at a moment when the president is urging European allies to pressure Putin to cut out myriad provocations.Biden sees himself with few peers on foreign policy. He traveled the globe as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was given difficult foreign policy assignments by President Barack Obama when Biden was vice president. His portfolio included messy spots like Iraq and Ukraine and weighing the mettle of China’s Xi Jinping during his rise to power.He has repeatedly said that he believes executing effective foreign policy comes from forming strong personal relations, and he has managed to find rapport with both the likes of Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom Biden has labeled an “autocrat,” and conventional politicians like Canada’s Justin Trudeau.But with Putin, whom the president has “no soul,”&nbsp;<a href="ttps://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-donald-trump-joe-biden-europe-middle-east-fcf067acc9da94e9ffe7bd6a55a574cd" target="_blank">Biden has long been wary</a>. At the same time, he acknowledges that Putin, who remained the most powerful figure in Russian politics over the span of five U.S. presidents, is not without talent. Biden this week suggested that he is approaching his meeting with Putin carefully.“He’s bright. He’s tough,” Biden said. “And I have found that he is a — as they say...a worthy adversary.”The White House held on to hope of finding small areas of agreement.No commitments have been made, but according to the senior administration official, there are hopes that both sides will return their ambassadors to their respective postings following the meeting. Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., Anatoly Antonov, was recalled from Washington about three months ago after Biden called Putin a killer; U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan left Moscow almost two months ago, after Russia suggested he return to Washington for consultations.Both ambassadors will be in Geneva during Wednesday’s meeting.Biden administration officials say they think common ground can be found on arms control. International arms control groups are pressing the Russian and American leaders to start a push for new arms control by holding “strategic stability” talks — a series of government-to-government discussions meant to sort through the many areas of disagreement and tension on the national security front.The Biden team will press its concerns on cybersecurity. In recent months, Russia-based hackers have launched alarming attacks on a major U.S. oil pipeline and a Brazil-headquartered meat supplier that operates in the U.S.The Russian side has said that the imprisonment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is an internal political matter and one area where Putin won’t engage Biden. But the senior Biden administration official said there “is no issue that is off the table for the president,” suggesting Navalny will come up.The meeting is sure to invite comparisons with President Donald Trump’s 2018 meeting with Putin in Helsinki, where the two leaders held a joint news conference and Trump sided with Russian denials when asked whether Moscow had meddled in the 2016 presidential election.Biden has prepared for his one-on-one by reviewing materials and consulting with officials across government and with outside advisers. Aides said the level of preparation wasn’t unusual. Biden, in a brief exchange with reporters upon a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-donald-trump-joe-biden-biden-cabinet-g-7-summit-91b7d8f2a9ac0058ccba74ac36036ae1">rriving in Geneva on Tuesday night</a>, sought to offer the impression that he wasn’t sweating his big meeting.“I am always ready,” Biden said.

The Latest: Biden, Putin long-anticipated summit ends

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 2-year-old boy have arrested&nbsp; Aneis L. Brown 22 of Topeka.

Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a local hospital after a 2-year-old had been driven there in a private vehicle and was suffering from serious gunshot injuries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Investigators believe the shooting occurred in the 800 block of SW 11th Street in Topeka. All parties involved are believed to have been located and police are working to learn what happened.

Brown is being held in&nbsp;the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering A Child; Reckless Situation, Criminal Poss Of Firearm By Felon ;Felony Conv Less Than 5 Years and Possession of hallucinogenic drug.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 2-year-old boy.

“This is the third shooting we’ve responded to in the last few days in which a child has been injured.," Said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles.&nbsp; "This concerning trend cannot continue. Gun safety is a community responsibility and we must all do our part to keep each other, and especially young children safe."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623807272108.png" alt="Brown photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 2-year-old boy have arrested&nbsp; Aneis L. Brown 22 of Topeka.Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a local hospital after a 2-year-old had been driven there in a private vehicle and was suffering from serious gunshot injuries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Investigators believe the shooting occurred in the 800 block of SW 11th Street in Topeka. All parties involved are believed to have been located and police are working to learn what happened.Brown is being held in&nbsp;the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering A Child; Reckless Situation, Criminal Poss Of Firearm By Felon ;Felony Conv Less Than 5 Years and Possession of hallucinogenic drug.-------------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 2-year-old boy.Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a local hospital after a 2-year-old had been driven there in a private vehicle and was suffering from serious gunshot injuries, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Investigators believe the shooting occurred in the 800 block of SW 11th Street in Topeka. All parties involved are believed to have been located and police are working to learn what happened.“This is the third shooting we’ve responded to in the last few days in which a child has been injured.," Said Topeka Police Chief Bryan Wheeles.&nbsp; "This concerning trend cannot continue. Gun safety is a community responsibility and we must all do our part to keep each other, and especially young children safe."

Kan. man accused after 2-year-old boy injured in shooting

SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — Five people from Nebraska were seriously injured when a boat exploded Tuesday at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the explosion happened near Sunrise Beach. The boat was docked when a mechanical failure caused a fuel-related fire, the patrol said.

James and Kari Hohenstein, Brad Vanwinkle and two children aged 12 and 16 were seriously injured. The 16-year-old and Vanwinkle were flow to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment, while the three others were taken to a nearby hospital.

A 2-year-old was taken by private vehicle to the hospital with minor injuries.

The people on the boat are from Gretna and Elkhorn, Nebraska.

SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. (AP) — Five people from Nebraska were seriously injured when a boat exploded Tuesday at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the explosion happened near Sunrise Beach. The boat was docked when a mechanical failure caused a fuel-related fire, the patrol said.James and Kari Hohenstein, Brad Vanwinkle and two children aged 12 and 16 were seriously injured. The 16-year-old and Vanwinkle were flow to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment, while the three others were taken to a nearby hospital.A 2-year-old was taken by private vehicle to the hospital with minor injuries.The people on the boat are from Gretna and Elkhorn, Nebraska.

5 hurt when boat explodes at Lake of the Ozarks

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas teen injured in what was reported as accidental&nbsp; shooting has died.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Just after 11:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the report of shooting in&nbsp;1700 block of SE 31st Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. 

Upon arrival, officers found that a 13-year-old girl suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. She died on Tuesday, according to police department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The incident was reported initially as a possible accidental shooting.&nbsp; Police have not&nbsp; released her name or additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas teen injured in what was reported as accidental&nbsp; shooting has died.&nbsp; &nbsp;Just after 11:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the report of shooting in&nbsp;1700 block of SE 31st Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. Upon arrival, officers found that a 13-year-old girl suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. She died on Tuesday, according to police department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The incident was reported initially as a possible accidental shooting.&nbsp; Police have not&nbsp; released her name or additional details.--------

13-year-old Kan. girl dies from injuries in accidental shooting

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man charged with killing six people on or near trails in south Kansas City four to five years ago has been found not competent to stand trial.

A judge ruled Monday that Fredrick Scott, 26, of Kansas City, is mentally unfit to aid in his own defense.

Scott is charged with first-degree murder in the separate shooting deaths of 57-year-old Steven Gibbons; 54-year-old John Palmer; 67-year-old David Lenox; 57-year-old Timothy Rice; 61-year-old Michael Darby; and 64-year-old Karen Harmeyer.

All of the killings occurred in 2016 and 2017 along city hiking and biking trails that frightened the community and users of the trails. Scott has been in custody since his arrest nearly four years ago.

Police have said that in the days before his arrest, Scott&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cb6ff074d84644b9a41f53075819e695">reported four handguns stolen</a>&nbsp;from him. Police believe those guns were used in the killings and that Scott reported them stolen to throw off investigators.

Police have said Scott told detectives after his arrest that he was angry about the 2015 shooting death of his half brother. Scott's mother has said he suffered from delusions as a result of undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenia.

The judge set an August hearing for re-evaluation of Scott’s mental fitness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623839245972.png" alt="Scott remains jailed in Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Scott remains jailed in Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man charged with killing six people on or near trails in south Kansas City four to five years ago has been found not competent to stand trial.A judge ruled Monday that Fredrick Scott, 26, of Kansas City, is mentally unfit to aid in his own defense.Scott is charged with first-degree murder in the separate shooting deaths of 57-year-old Steven Gibbons; 54-year-old John Palmer; 67-year-old David Lenox; 57-year-old Timothy Rice; 61-year-old Michael Darby; and 64-year-old Karen Harmeyer.All of the killings occurred in 2016 and 2017 along city hiking and biking trails that frightened the community and users of the trails. Scott has been in custody since his arrest nearly four years ago.Police have said that in the days before his arrest, Scott&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cb6ff074d84644b9a41f53075819e695">reported four handguns stolen</a>&nbsp;from him. Police believe those guns were used in the killings and that Scott reported them stolen to throw off investigators.Police have said Scott told detectives after his arrest that he was angry about the 2015 shooting death of his half brother. Scott's mother has said he suffered from delusions as a result of undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenia.The judge set an August hearing for re-evaluation of Scott’s mental fitness.

KC trail killing suspect found not competent for trial

BARTON COUNTY —The replacement hospital being planned in Ellinwood is moving off the current campus to a new location, according to a media release from the hospital.

 Officials say moving the hospital to the new site on the northwest corner of the intersection of Park Street and U.S 56 Highway will accomplish a number of objectives, not the least of which is to save significant amounts of time and money and while also making the institution more accessible.

CEO Kile Magner announced the new site is 15.85 acres located across from the Grove Park Golf Course and the Ellinwood Packing Plant. Magner, CEO since 2015, reported, “We were continuing to plan for construction and demolition on the existing site but the project just became more and more complicated because we didn’t have the space to do everything we needed to do when we needed to do it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623697056816.png" alt="Rendering of the new Ellinwood Hospital to be constructed at Park &amp; US 56 Highway." />
 <figcaption>Rendering of the new Ellinwood Hospital to be constructed at Park &amp; US 56 Highway.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —The replacement hospital being planned in Ellinwood is moving off the current campus to a new location, according to a media release from the hospital. Officials say moving the hospital to the new site on the northwest corner of the intersection of Park Street and U.S 56 Highway will accomplish a number of objectives, not the least of which is to save significant amounts of time and money and while also making the institution more accessible.CEO Kile Magner announced the new site is 15.85 acres located across from the Grove Park Golf Course and the Ellinwood Packing Plant. Magner, CEO since 2015, reported, “We were continuing to plan for construction and demolition on the existing site but the project just became more and more complicated because we didn’t have the space to do everything we needed to do when we needed to do it.”Magner says they knew it was going to be a tight work zone when planning started but as they moved deeper into the planning and mobilization strategies, the complexity and cost just kept increasing. Finally, he said, “Our staff team requested time to look into an alternate site. Almost immediately we identified savings of more than a half million dollars and that savings number is now even higher.”According to Ellinwood Hospital District Board President Joyce Schulte, “We will save more than $350,000 simply by not having to deal with existing drainage issues on the current campus, issues that would have only been made worse with a new building and more parking. By working with the city, along with our engineers and earthwork planners, we can address stormwater runoff issues at the new site ahead of construction, something that would have been impossible on the current campus. Eliminating the need for temporary structures so we can continue to provide care during construction is a huge savings as well.”Moving to the new site, which is 3 times larger than the existing campus, will allow for a shorter construction time, ability to plan for the future, and much greater visibility than currently available to the existing facility, which was built in 1952.Magner said the hospital has known for quite some time that they had a visibility problem. “There are people who live in Ellinwood and the surrounding area that don’t know the hospital is here in Ellinwood,” he reflected. “And there are others that think it is a nursing home or that thought it was closed.”Schulte says the new location “will allow the hospital to send the message that we are alive and well here in Ellinwood. Construction on the new site will allow an extra two years of visibility and related marketing. We’re excited because the new facility says we’re still growing what we started 70 years ago.”The project, according to Magner, is expected to total an estimated 20 million dollars and should be complete in 2.5 years. The project is using USDA Community Development Programs to support both the short-term construction funding and long-term permanent financing needs while relying on the issuance of revenue bonds for debt service.Over the last two years, the administration and board members of the hospital have been working through extensive research, financial studies, preliminary design, and other due diligence to develop a plan and take steps to the consideration of a new hospital and clinic facility for Ellinwood. The final pieces of the development of the immensely complicated project are coming together now.Magner reported about the project, “The plans are being finalized, the funding mechanisms are being organized, and the timeline is coming together. The hospital and clinic will be rolling out educational pieces and opportunities to ask questions in the next few months and encourage the community to watch the newspaper and the hospital Facebook page for more information.