PRATT&nbsp;– Fisheries and Ecological Services staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks took action to bolster some of the state’s most at-risk aquatic species. Via the Department’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvTmV3cy1BcmNoaXZlLzIwMTgtV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0xNy0xOC1LQUJDL0FxdWF0aWMtV2lsZGxpZmUtUHJvcGFnYXRpb24tQ2VudGVyLU9wZW5zIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.nMPe_yfofbcqFbM1d2VjwXEmD2fJF8IxiYlcJgAaex8/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center</a>, located at the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9IYXRjaGVyaWVzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.t1O5gQIdHap2dhRgoocD4eSllbKgclRsCgXqZV_wRoE/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Farlington Fish Hatchery</a>, staff work together to propagate, grow, and stock vulnerable aquatic species back into their former habitats; and this fall, that included two protected freshwater mussel species, according to a media release from the department.

KDWP first released 7,175 Fatmucket mussels – ranging in age from 1-3 years old – into the Marmaton River to bolster local populations. These were the first mussels ever released from the KABC, which opened its doors in 2018. And while Fatmuckets occur throughout central North America, they are considered a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vU2VydmljZXMvVGhyZWF0ZW5lZC1hbmQtRW5kYW5nZXJlZC1XaWxkbGlmZSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzEwMTYuODQxNTY5MTEifQ.3UGqEyR9ky_S8yD5o9WEM5Wq2JuN0xTWEKSEpg3ZOjc/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Species in Need of Conservation</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.

“We chose the Marmaton River as the release site due to historical data and current observations that indicate the species is native to this drainage,” said Seth Lundgren, KDWP district fisheries biologist. “It also helped that the parental stock came from a shared tributary of the Marais Des Cygnes River, ensuring the correct genetics were also released into the drainage.”

Lundgren added that, prior to stocking, each of the offspring were marked with a unique "glue dot" that can be used by researchers for future identification.

The second successful stocking of a protected species occurred later in the same week when approximately 1,374 federally-endangered&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vU2VydmljZXMvVGhyZWF0ZW5lZC1hbmQtRW5kYW5nZXJlZC1XaWxkbGlmZS9BbGwtVGhyZWF0ZW5lZC1hbmQtRW5kYW5nZXJlZC1TcGVjaWVzL05FT1NITy1NVUNLRVQtTVVTU0VMIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.F8bN2jmxiFkZ03NPuHU-z2uGRdB9NUKw8hmKBc_AVBI/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Neosho Mucket mussels</a>&nbsp;were released into the Neosho River. The offspring were the result of populations housed at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery and Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. The Neosho Mucket occurs in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma but no longer occurs in 62 percent of its historical range.

“This stocking was the first of its kind conducted under KDWP’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program,” said Trevor Starks, KDWP species recovery coordinator. “Landowner agreements signed under this program seek to reestablish self-sustaining populations of imperiled fish and mussel species in order to recover, delist, and deregulate those populations. These agreements provide regulatory protections to landowners who wish to partner with the agency to allow species releases and monitoring on their property.”

More Conservation Stockings to Come

Staff at KDWP have several additional conservation stockings like these planned for 2024, including 18,000 mussels set to be released in southeastern Kansas as soon as drought conditions improve. The KABC has also been working to rear&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmtzbi5jb20vbmV3cy9zdGF0ZS1yZWdpb25hbC9rYW5zYXMtZGVwYXJ0bWVudC1vZi13aWxkbGlmZS1wYXJrcy1yZWxlYXNlcy1wbGFpbnMtbWlubm93cy1iYWNrLWludG8tbmF0aXZlLXdhdGVycy8jOn46dGV4dD1LRFdQJTIwU2VuaW9yJTIwTWFuYWdlciUyMG9mJTIwZmlzaCx0aGUlMjByaXZlciUyQyVFMiU4MCU5RCUyMHNhaWQlMjBNb3NpZXIuIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.AgQm02NqM9l3_Fk6hZI6d_yINj1mG6atK9HzIPr5Kqs/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Plains Minnows</a>, classified as a state-threatened species, for release back into their historic range in areas where they have since disappeared.

Landowners interested in helping recover imperiled species through the Kansas Aquatic Species Recovery Program are encouraged to contact Starks at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:trevor.starks@ks.gov">trevor.starks@ks.gov</a>.

For more information on threatened, endangered, and SINC species in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc291dGRvb3JzLmNvbS9TZXJ2aWNlcy9UaHJlYXRlbmVkLWFuZC1FbmRhbmdlcmVkLVdpbGRsaWZlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.WEg27zki0_P8nGKCZeh4QWi9SYy4ab30l1t7XRw4_to/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Services/Threatened-and-Endangered-Wildlife</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697630781905.png" alt="Freshwater mussels – essentially clams that have adapted to live in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes – reach their greatest diversity in North America. Nearly 300 species of mussels occur in the U.S., 40 of which reside in Kansas. Of those in Kansas, nearly 60 percent have some level of conservation concern and most have disappeared from part of their historical range." />
 <figcaption>Freshwater mussels – essentially clams that have adapted to live in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes – reach their greatest diversity in North America. Nearly 300 species of mussels occur in the U.S., 40 of which reside in Kansas. Of those in Kansas, nearly 60 percent have some level of conservation concern and most have disappeared from part of their historical range.</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT&nbsp;– Fisheries and Ecological Services staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks took action to bolster some of the state’s most at-risk aquatic species. Via the Department’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvTmV3cy1BcmNoaXZlLzIwMTgtV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvOC0xNy0xOC1LQUJDL0FxdWF0aWMtV2lsZGxpZmUtUHJvcGFnYXRpb24tQ2VudGVyLU9wZW5zIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.nMPe_yfofbcqFbM1d2VjwXEmD2fJF8IxiYlcJgAaex8/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center</a>, located at the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9IYXRjaGVyaWVzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.t1O5gQIdHap2dhRgoocD4eSllbKgclRsCgXqZV_wRoE/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Farlington Fish Hatchery</a>, staff work together to propagate, grow, and stock vulnerable aquatic species back into their former habitats; and this fall, that included two protected freshwater mussel species, according to a media release from the department.KDWP first released 7,175 Fatmucket mussels – ranging in age from 1-3 years old – into the Marmaton River to bolster local populations. These were the first mussels ever released from the KABC, which opened its doors in 2018. And while Fatmuckets occur throughout central North America, they are considered a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vU2VydmljZXMvVGhyZWF0ZW5lZC1hbmQtRW5kYW5nZXJlZC1XaWxkbGlmZSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzEwMTYuODQxNTY5MTEifQ.3UGqEyR9ky_S8yD5o9WEM5Wq2JuN0xTWEKSEpg3ZOjc/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Species in Need of Conservation</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.“We chose the Marmaton River as the release site due to historical data and current observations that indicate the species is native to this drainage,” said Seth Lundgren, KDWP district fisheries biologist. “It also helped that the parental stock came from a shared tributary of the Marais Des Cygnes River, ensuring the correct genetics were also released into the drainage.”Lundgren added that, prior to stocking, each of the offspring were marked with a unique "glue dot" that can be used by researchers for future identification.The second successful stocking of a protected species occurred later in the same week when approximately 1,374 federally-endangered&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vU2VydmljZXMvVGhyZWF0ZW5lZC1hbmQtRW5kYW5nZXJlZC1XaWxkbGlmZS9BbGwtVGhyZWF0ZW5lZC1hbmQtRW5kYW5nZXJlZC1TcGVjaWVzL05FT1NITy1NVUNLRVQtTVVTU0VMIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.F8bN2jmxiFkZ03NPuHU-z2uGRdB9NUKw8hmKBc_AVBI/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Neosho Mucket mussels</a>&nbsp;were released into the Neosho River. The offspring were the result of populations housed at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery and Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. The Neosho Mucket occurs in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma but no longer occurs in 62 percent of its historical range.“This stocking was the first of its kind conducted under KDWP’s Aquatic Species Recovery Program,” said Trevor Starks, KDWP species recovery coordinator. “Landowner agreements signed under this program seek to reestablish self-sustaining populations of imperiled fish and mussel species in order to recover, delist, and deregulate those populations. These agreements provide regulatory protections to landowners who wish to partner with the agency to allow species releases and monitoring on their property.”More Conservation Stockings to ComeStaff at KDWP have several additional conservation stockings like these planned for 2024, including 18,000 mussels set to be released in southeastern Kansas as soon as drought conditions improve. The KABC has also been working to rear&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmtzbi5jb20vbmV3cy9zdGF0ZS1yZWdpb25hbC9rYW5zYXMtZGVwYXJ0bWVudC1vZi13aWxkbGlmZS1wYXJrcy1yZWxlYXNlcy1wbGFpbnMtbWlubm93cy1iYWNrLWludG8tbmF0aXZlLXdhdGVycy8jOn46dGV4dD1LRFdQJTIwU2VuaW9yJTIwTWFuYWdlciUyMG9mJTIwZmlzaCx0aGUlMjByaXZlciUyQyVFMiU4MCU5RCUyMHNhaWQlMjBNb3NpZXIuIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.AgQm02NqM9l3_Fk6hZI6d_yINj1mG6atK9HzIPr5Kqs/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">Plains Minnows</a>, classified as a state-threatened species, for release back into their historic range in areas where they have since disappeared.Landowners interested in helping recover imperiled species through the Kansas Aquatic Species Recovery Program are encouraged to contact Starks at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:trevor.starks@ks.gov">trevor.starks@ks.gov</a>.For more information on threatened, endangered, and SINC species in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc291dGRvb3JzLmNvbS9TZXJ2aWNlcy9UaHJlYXRlbmVkLWFuZC1FbmRhbmdlcmVkLVdpbGRsaWZlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxNi44NDE1NjkxMSJ9.WEg27zki0_P8nGKCZeh4QWi9SYy4ab30l1t7XRw4_to/s/1303160919/br/228155395012-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Services/Threatened-and-Endangered-Wildlife</a>.

KDWP successfully stocks 2 protected species back into Kan. waters

Abandoned wells can emit greenhouse gas, limit land use and threaten water quality

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>

An infusion of federal money has helped Louisiana plug nearly 500 abandoned oil and gas wells this year.

That number doesn’t come close to the 4,500 abandoned wells that pock the state’s terrain, leaving the potential for groundwater contamination and the near-certainty of greenhouse gas emissions. But the money has allowed the state to nearly double the record number of wells it’s ever plugged in a year.

“Everything helps,” said Patrick Courreges, spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. “If we didn’t have the federal help, we’d be over 5,000 [abandoned wells].”

Louisiana is among 24 states that received millions of dollars for well plugging from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.doi.gov/orphanedwells#:~:text=The%20Bipartisan%20Infrastructure%20Law%20directed,Tribal%2C%20state%20and%20private%20lands.">the largest investment in legacy pollution reduction in American history</a>.

But in many ways, the difficult work is just beginning. Of the $4.7 billion the law set aside for plugging wells that oil and gas companies have abandoned, $560 million has gone out so far. The rest will be spent in the coming years.

During the first round of grants, the feds didn’t require states to calculate the methane emissions each plug prevents. But from now on, states seeking grants will have to measure methane releases at each well. That will require states to develop new methods and spend more time and money. And the workforce shortage only makes it harder for states to use their grants.

Long-standing state programs to tackle the problem, usually backed by fees from oil and gas companies, generally have targeted the most problematic wells, such as those with visible leaks or spills. But countless others remain, allowing methane or carcinogens to escape.

“It’s easy to see a blowout. It’s tougher to see 100 small leaks,” Courreges said. “I think you’re just now seeing regulators figuring out, ‘OK, how do we approach that? How do we do that?’ Obviously, you’re probably going to need more funding for everybody.”

In Louisiana, the state generally has $10 million to $12 million available each year for well site restoration efforts, Courreges said. The state received $25 million in its first round of federal funding from the infrastructure law and is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-invests-660-million-states-plug-orphaned-oil-and-gas-wells">primed to receive some $86 million more</a>.

A well is considered orphaned when the government cannot locate the operator of an idled well or the operator is unable to plug or remediate the well. Beyond blighting property and limiting land use, abandoned wells are a major threat because unseen leaks can allow pollutants into water sources and spew greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The federal government gave states wide latitude on how to prioritize wells for plugging. Aggressive timelines have pushed qualifying states to quickly allocate their first round of grant funds by hiring contractors to plug abandoned oil and gas wells.

“The timeline was so tight that these guys just went out and started plugging wells without any idea,” said Curtis Shuck, chair of the Well Done Foundation, an environmental nonprofit. “They just knew it was a hole in the ground and they were going to go dump cement in it and call it a party.”

He previously worked in the energy industry and witnessed firsthand the eyesore and danger of wells left unsealed. His nonprofit has plugged 29 wells since 2019. He said without measuring emissions, states are essentially “flying blind,” making it difficult to justify prioritization efforts.

Still, he said the overall effort has been instrumental in raising awareness of the underlying issue of abandoned wells.

“For the longest time, this has just been everybody’s dirty little secret,” he said. “Whether it’s the oil and gas industry, the states or even the federal government, nobody wanted to talk about it.”

But the federal funds won’t come close to addressing the current inventory of orphaned wells, Shuck said. And it won’t prevent new ones from being orphaned by bankrupt operators.

“That’s just the nature of the business. These wells have a lifecycle,” he said. “There’s no silver bullet. There’s no magic wand to make it go away. It’s just a matter of rolling up your sleeves and tackling a dirty job.”

The issue of abandoned wells is nearly as old as the nation’s petroleum industry. Major producers sell off rights to wells, usually those producing only marginal amounts. Those wells can transfer multiple times before ending up under control of companies that can easily go belly up in the notoriously boom-and-bust oil and gas markets, making those abandoned wells a problem for states.

A handful of states are trying to prevent wells from being abandoned in the first place, enacting stricter well transfer regulations and financial assurances from producers.

But for those already orphaned, the federal money is making a dent. By the end of June, more than 4,000 wells had been plugged with the first round of funds, said Winnie Stachelberg, senior adviser and infrastructure coordinator at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

“Methane leaking from many of these unplugged wells is a serious safety hazard,” she told Stateline. “It’s been a significant cause of climate change.”

Methane is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere, Stachelberg said. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated abandoned oil and gas wells are releasing 280,000 metric tons of methane each year. That’s equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of more than 1.7 million gas-powered passenger vehicles driven for a year, according to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator#results">online EPA calculator</a>. The federal government expects the next round of grant money to help quantify the effects of sealing wells.

“That will give us and the states a more full picture of the impact of these wells and how much methane we’re removing by cleaning them up,” Stachelberg said.

But most states haven’t begun methane measuring.

Oklahoma only performs methane testing on select wells close to buildings or as part of explosive testing, said Matt Skinner, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry. The state is preparing a methane monitoring program for the next round of federal grant funding.

Like many energy regulators, Oklahoma charges fees on active well operators for well remediation efforts. That means the state’s fund varies wildly depending on the health of the industry — and the price of energy.

Traditionally, the agency has sought to maintain a healthy reserve fund so it can tackle emergency well repairs, Skinner said.&nbsp;But conserving its funds for the most serious problems can result in a ballooning inventory of wells that need plugging.

Oklahoma’s $25 million in the first round of federal funding allowed the state to award contracts to tackle 523 wells — far higher than the number of wells the state traditionally is able to remediate, Skinner said.&nbsp;Between the 2017 and 2021 fiscal years, Oklahoma plugged a total of 462 abandoned wells.

“We were able to move aggressively to radically reduce the backlog,” he said.

By the time the infrastructure bill passed in 2021, the country had some 125,000 documented abandoned wells and another estimated 800,000 undocumented ones, said Adam Peltz, a director and senior attorney at the advocacy nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund.

“Because every state regulates its own industry, it hasn’t been a national issue, despite being a national problem,” he said.

The federal funds won’t come close to fixing all the documented abandoned wells, let alone the undocumented ones. But Peltz said the program represents “a significant down payment on a long-ignored problem.”

The industry says it’s also tackling the problem.

The American Petroleum Institute, an oil and gas trade group, said in a statement the industry is constantly working to address the permanent closure and remediation of historic oil and natural gas wells. The institute released new standards in 2021 providing guidance for design, placement and verification of plugs used in wells.

With only about 90 days to form their $25 million grant application last year, Kansas regulators initially focused on addressing “shovel-ready” wells, said Ryan Hoffman, director of conservation at the Kansas Corporation Commission.

Those are wells that already had been scrutinized by the agency. But even then, finding contractors to tackle the work proved challenging.

In the remote stretches of Western Kansas, for example, the state received no bids on plugging two wells near the Colorado border. Crews can spend upward of $1 million plugging the most complex wells, though the Environmental Defense Fund says the average well plugging costs about $75,000.

To make the work more attractive, the state sought to group similarly constructed and nearby wells. In the more populated portions of Northeastern Kansas, the state grouped hundreds of wells in the counties outside of Kansas City under a single project umbrella.

“We prioritize those because of the population growth in those areas,” Hoffman said. “But we also wanted to make sure that we can make this attractive to contractors to bid on, because we’re competing with the [oil and gas] industry for their services.”

In the past, Kansas has never plugged more than 700 wells per year, Hoffman said. Since January, the state has more than doubled that number, filling more than 1,600 of its 11,000 abandoned wells.

Hoffman said the state has increased its compliance efforts, resulting in fewer wells getting abandoned. But the nature of the extraction business makes it difficult, particularly as wells become less profitable.

A handful of states are upping scrutiny of well transfers or increasing financial assurance measures that aim to ensure each operator has the money to seal wells once they’re done pumping.

In September, California legislators passed a bill that would require well owners to set aside more cash to properly seal wells once they are out of use. The bill faced skepticism from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose finance department warned it could unintentionally cause more wells to be abandoned by increasing financial burdens on already at-risk operators, the Los Angeles Times&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-10-03/bill-seeks-to-cap-orphaned-oil-wells-could-it-backfire?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9TTldTUi9TTldTUi8xLzEwNDkxMSIsDQogICJEaXN0cmlidXRpb25VbmlxdWVJZCI6ICIwMDAwMDAwMC0wMDAwLTAwMDAtMDAwMC0wMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAiLA0KICAiRW1haWxBZGRyZXNzIjogIm1hZHlzb24uZml0emdlcmFsZEByaWNobW9uZC5lZHUiDQp9&amp;hmac=H3BUotWNW9GBGPTgFbK64ZmJgKdyk18055lXuSjHnlM=&amp;emci=4466b4fc-b062-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&amp;ceid=53701">reported</a>. But Newsom&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1167">signed the legislation</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7.

In New Mexico, regulators are discussing potential changes with the oil and gas industry.&nbsp;And the state is taking a closer look at well transfer requests.

“We are scrutinizing some of those transactions a little harder,” said Dylan Fuge, general counsel for New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

New Mexico has been measuring methane emissions at the wells it targets before and after filling. So far, the state has found each well on average emits nearly a ton in greenhouse gas emissions per year — roughly the annual equivalent greenhouse emissions of six gas-powered vehicles, the EPA calculator estimates.

Overall, the federal dollars have allowed the state to seal five times as many wells as normal, about 100 of its 1,700 documented abandoned wells.

“I think we’re starting to make meaningful progress on the ground,” Fuge said. But “even at the rate we’re plugging with the resources we can reasonably project out, I still don’t see a certain pathway where we get all 1,700 by any stretch.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697127097459.png" alt=" A crew works on plugging an abandoned oil well that North Dakota confiscated in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. States are rushing to spend billions in new federal dollars to plug abandoned oil and gas wells that can leak pollutants into water sources and emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (Erika Bolstad/Stateline)" />
 <figcaption> A crew works on plugging an abandoned oil well that North Dakota confiscated in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. States are rushing to spend billions in new federal dollars to plug abandoned oil and gas wells that can leak pollutants into water sources and emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (Erika Bolstad/Stateline)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Abandoned wells can emit greenhouse gas, limit land use and threaten water quality</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>An infusion of federal money has helped Louisiana plug nearly 500 abandoned oil and gas wells this year.That number doesn’t come close to the 4,500 abandoned wells that pock the state’s terrain, leaving the potential for groundwater contamination and the near-certainty of greenhouse gas emissions. But the money has allowed the state to nearly double the record number of wells it’s ever plugged in a year.“Everything helps,” said Patrick Courreges, spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. “If we didn’t have the federal help, we’d be over 5,000 [abandoned wells].”Louisiana is among 24 states that received millions of dollars for well plugging from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.doi.gov/orphanedwells#:~:text=The%20Bipartisan%20Infrastructure%20Law%20directed,Tribal%2C%20state%20and%20private%20lands.">the largest investment in legacy pollution reduction in American history</a>.But in many ways, the difficult work is just beginning. Of the $4.7 billion the law set aside for plugging wells that oil and gas companies have abandoned, $560 million has gone out so far. The rest will be spent in the coming years.During the first round of grants, the feds didn’t require states to calculate the methane emissions each plug prevents. But from now on, states seeking grants will have to measure methane releases at each well. That will require states to develop new methods and spend more time and money. And the workforce shortage only makes it harder for states to use their grants.Long-standing state programs to tackle the problem, usually backed by fees from oil and gas companies, generally have targeted the most problematic wells, such as those with visible leaks or spills. But countless others remain, allowing methane or carcinogens to escape.“It’s easy to see a blowout. It’s tougher to see 100 small leaks,” Courreges said. “I think you’re just now seeing regulators figuring out, ‘OK, how do we approach that? How do we do that?’ Obviously, you’re probably going to need more funding for everybody.”In Louisiana, the state generally has $10 million to $12 million available each year for well site restoration efforts, Courreges said. The state received $25 million in its first round of federal funding from the infrastructure law and is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-invests-660-million-states-plug-orphaned-oil-and-gas-wells">primed to receive some $86 million more</a>.A well is considered orphaned when the government cannot locate the operator of an idled well or the operator is unable to plug or remediate the well. Beyond blighting property and limiting land use, abandoned wells are a major threat because unseen leaks can allow pollutants into water sources and spew greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.The federal government gave states wide latitude on how to prioritize wells for plugging. Aggressive timelines have pushed qualifying states to quickly allocate their first round of grant funds by hiring contractors to plug abandoned oil and gas wells.“The timeline was so tight that these guys just went out and started plugging wells without any idea,” said Curtis Shuck, chair of the Well Done Foundation, an environmental nonprofit. “They just knew it was a hole in the ground and they were going to go dump cement in it and call it a party.”He previously worked in the energy industry and witnessed firsthand the eyesore and danger of wells left unsealed. His nonprofit has plugged 29 wells since 2019. He said without measuring emissions, states are essentially “flying blind,” making it difficult to justify prioritization efforts.Still, he said the overall effort has been instrumental in raising awareness of the underlying issue of abandoned wells.“For the longest time, this has just been everybody’s dirty little secret,” he said. “Whether it’s the oil and gas industry, the states or even the federal government, nobody wanted to talk about it.”But the federal funds won’t come close to addressing the current inventory of orphaned wells, Shuck said. And it won’t prevent new ones from being orphaned by bankrupt operators.“That’s just the nature of the business. These wells have a lifecycle,” he said. “There’s no silver bullet. There’s no magic wand to make it go away. It’s just a matter of rolling up your sleeves and tackling a dirty job.”<h2>‘A significant down payment’</h2>The issue of abandoned wells is nearly as old as the nation’s petroleum industry. Major producers sell off rights to wells, usually those producing only marginal amounts. Those wells can transfer multiple times before ending up under control of companies that can easily go belly up in the notoriously boom-and-bust oil and gas markets, making those abandoned wells a problem for states.A handful of states are trying to prevent wells from being abandoned in the first place, enacting stricter well transfer regulations and financial assurances from producers.But for those already orphaned, the federal money is making a dent. By the end of June, more than 4,000 wells had been plugged with the first round of funds, said Winnie Stachelberg, senior adviser and infrastructure coordinator at the U.S. Department of the Interior.“Methane leaking from many of these unplugged wells is a serious safety hazard,” she told Stateline. “It’s been a significant cause of climate change.”Methane is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere, Stachelberg said. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated abandoned oil and gas wells are releasing 280,000 metric tons of methane each year. That’s equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of more than 1.7 million gas-powered passenger vehicles driven for a year, according to an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator#results">online EPA calculator</a>. The federal government expects the next round of grant money to help quantify the effects of sealing wells.“That will give us and the states a more full picture of the impact of these wells and how much methane we’re removing by cleaning them up,” Stachelberg said.But most states haven’t begun methane measuring.Oklahoma only performs methane testing on select wells close to buildings or as part of explosive testing, said Matt Skinner, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry. The state is preparing a methane monitoring program for the next round of federal grant funding.Like many energy regulators, Oklahoma charges fees on active well operators for well remediation efforts. That means the state’s fund varies wildly depending on the health of the industry — and the price of energy.Traditionally, the agency has sought to maintain a healthy reserve fund so it can tackle emergency well repairs, Skinner said.&nbsp;But conserving its funds for the most serious problems can result in a ballooning inventory of wells that need plugging.Oklahoma’s $25 million in the first round of federal funding allowed the state to award contracts to tackle 523 wells — far higher than the number of wells the state traditionally is able to remediate, Skinner said.&nbsp;Between the 2017 and 2021 fiscal years, Oklahoma plugged a total of 462 abandoned wells.“We were able to move aggressively to radically reduce the backlog,” he said.By the time the infrastructure bill passed in 2021, the country had some 125,000 documented abandoned wells and another estimated 800,000 undocumented ones, said Adam Peltz, a director and senior attorney at the advocacy nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund.“Because every state regulates its own industry, it hasn’t been a national issue, despite being a national problem,” he said.The federal funds won’t come close to fixing all the documented abandoned wells, let alone the undocumented ones. But Peltz said the program represents “a significant down payment on a long-ignored problem.”The industry says it’s also tackling the problem.The American Petroleum Institute, an oil and gas trade group, said in a statement the industry is constantly working to address the permanent closure and remediation of historic oil and natural gas wells. The institute released new standards in 2021 providing guidance for design, placement and verification of plugs used in wells.<h2>Challenging work</h2>With only about 90 days to form their $25 million grant application last year, Kansas regulators initially focused on addressing “shovel-ready” wells, said Ryan Hoffman, director of conservation at the Kansas Corporation Commission.Those are wells that already had been scrutinized by the agency. But even then, finding contractors to tackle the work proved challenging.In the remote stretches of Western Kansas, for example, the state received no bids on plugging two wells near the Colorado border. Crews can spend upward of $1 million plugging the most complex wells, though the Environmental Defense Fund says the average well plugging costs about $75,000.To make the work more attractive, the state sought to group similarly constructed and nearby wells. In the more populated portions of Northeastern Kansas, the state grouped hundreds of wells in the counties outside of Kansas City under a single project umbrella.“We prioritize those because of the population growth in those areas,” Hoffman said. “But we also wanted to make sure that we can make this attractive to contractors to bid on, because we’re competing with the [oil and gas] industry for their services.”In the past, Kansas has never plugged more than 700 wells per year, Hoffman said. Since January, the state has more than doubled that number, filling more than 1,600 of its 11,000 abandoned wells.Hoffman said the state has increased its compliance efforts, resulting in fewer wells getting abandoned. But the nature of the extraction business makes it difficult, particularly as wells become less profitable.A handful of states are upping scrutiny of well transfers or increasing financial assurance measures that aim to ensure each operator has the money to seal wells once they’re done pumping.In September, California legislators passed a bill that would require well owners to set aside more cash to properly seal wells once they are out of use. The bill faced skepticism from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose finance department warned it could unintentionally cause more wells to be abandoned by increasing financial burdens on already at-risk operators, the Los Angeles Times&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-10-03/bill-seeks-to-cap-orphaned-oil-wells-could-it-backfire?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9TTldTUi9TTldTUi8xLzEwNDkxMSIsDQogICJEaXN0cmlidXRpb25VbmlxdWVJZCI6ICIwMDAwMDAwMC0wMDAwLTAwMDAtMDAwMC0wMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAiLA0KICAiRW1haWxBZGRyZXNzIjogIm1hZHlzb24uZml0emdlcmFsZEByaWNobW9uZC5lZHUiDQp9&amp;hmac=H3BUotWNW9GBGPTgFbK64ZmJgKdyk18055lXuSjHnlM=&amp;emci=4466b4fc-b062-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&amp;ceid=53701">reported</a>. But Newsom&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1167">signed the legislation</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7.In New Mexico, regulators are discussing potential changes with the oil and gas industry.&nbsp;And the state is taking a closer look at well transfer requests.“We are scrutinizing some of those transactions a little harder,” said Dylan Fuge, general counsel for New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.New Mexico has been measuring methane emissions at the wells it targets before and after filling. So far, the state has found each well on average emits nearly a ton in greenhouse gas emissions per year — roughly the annual equivalent greenhouse emissions of six gas-powered vehicles, the EPA calculator estimates.Overall, the federal dollars have allowed the state to seal five times as many wells as normal, about 100 of its 1,700 documented abandoned wells.“I think we’re starting to make meaningful progress on the ground,” Fuge said. But “even at the rate we’re plugging with the resources we can reasonably project out, I still don’t see a certain pathway where we get all 1,700 by any stretch.”

Billions of dollars to clean up abandoned oil and gas wells will only make a dent

By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — To help remedy the state’s child care shortage, 27 organizations have been allocated $11.4 million to open up more child care slots across the state.&nbsp;

Gov. Laura Kelly, in conjunction with the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, announced a second wave of funding for child care programs Thursday as part of an initiative meant to accelerate the development of more child care options statewide.&nbsp;

“Building off the grants announced this summer, this funding will be transformational for families and communities across the state,” Kelly said. “Expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care will spur economic growth by allowing more families to participate in the workforce and support the healthy development of Kansas children.”&nbsp;

The first round of funding went out in June, allocating $43 million for the creation of 4,211&nbsp; child care slots. This round of funding will open up around 1,468 spots, creating a total of&nbsp; 5,655 in 67 communities. The funding is a mix of federal pandemic dollars provided to the state and American Rescue Plan Act money, along with some funding from private sources.&nbsp;

Most of the funding will go toward startup costs, such as increasing staff, purchasing equipment and providing improved child care training.&nbsp;

“This is a win for Kansas families that will pay dividends for years to come,” said Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. “We appreciate our partners at DCF for providing the extra funds to make this round of awards possible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697942412613.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday a second round of funding for the creation of child care slots statewide. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday a second round of funding for the creation of child care slots statewide. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — To help remedy the state’s child care shortage, 27 organizations have been allocated $11.4 million to open up more child care slots across the state.&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly, in conjunction with the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, announced a second wave of funding for child care programs Thursday as part of an initiative meant to accelerate the development of more child care options statewide.&nbsp;“Building off the grants announced this summer, this funding will be transformational for families and communities across the state,” Kelly said. “Expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care will spur economic growth by allowing more families to participate in the workforce and support the healthy development of Kansas children.”&nbsp;The first round of funding went out in June, allocating $43 million for the creation of 4,211&nbsp; child care slots. This round of funding will open up around 1,468 spots, creating a total of&nbsp; 5,655 in 67 communities. The funding is a mix of federal pandemic dollars provided to the state and American Rescue Plan Act money, along with some funding from private sources.&nbsp;Most of the funding will go toward startup costs, such as increasing staff, purchasing equipment and providing improved child care training.&nbsp;“This is a win for Kansas families that will pay dividends for years to come,” said Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. “We appreciate our partners at DCF for providing the extra funds to make this round of awards possible.”

Push for more Kan. child care options revitalized with $11.5 million grant

WASHINGTON —Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Saturday directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region, according to a statement from the agency.

These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.

The Defense Secretary redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.&nbsp;

Austin also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.

He also placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697765298614.png" alt="The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Oct. 18. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau" />
 <figcaption>The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Oct. 18. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Saturday directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region, according to a statement from the agency.These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.The Defense Secretary redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.&nbsp;Austin also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.He also placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required.&nbsp;

Iran threat: Pentagon sending additional forces to the Middle East

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Porsche Taycan driven by Joseph M. Paris, 64, Leawood, was eastbound on Interstate 435 just east of Stateline Road.

The Porsche made a lane change into the number two lane and struck a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Dustin M. Harder, 36, Del City, Oklahoma. After impact, the Porsche struck an eastbound 2013 Chevy Equinox driven by Joshua L. Girardi, 37, Greenwood, Missouri, and a 2023 Ford Escape driven by Shawna&nbsp;O'Connor, 46, Independence, Missouri, that was stopped on the inside shoulder of the highway.

The impact pushed the Chevy Equinox into a 2005 Chevy Silverado that was unoccupied on the shoulder. The semi continued toward the inside shoulder and struck a 2015 Nissan Rogue driven by Chelsea L. Shelton, 32, Olathe, and then rear-ended a 1996 Chevy pickup driven by Randal D. Hammonds, 69, Kansas City, Missouri

EMS transported Hammonds, a passenger in the Chevy pickup identified as Justin E. Witt, 39, Kansas City, Missouri, and Girardi to Overland Park Regional Medical Center where Hammonds died.

EMS transported Paris and a passenger in the Porsche Carmela L. Paris, 64, Leawood and Harder to Research Medical Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

O'Connor and Shelton were not injured. Hammonds, Witt and O'Connor were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Porsche Taycan driven by Joseph M. Paris, 64, Leawood, was eastbound on Interstate 435 just east of Stateline Road.The Porsche made a lane change into the number two lane and struck a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by Dustin M. Harder, 36, Del City, Oklahoma. After impact, the Porsche struck an eastbound 2013 Chevy Equinox driven by Joshua L. Girardi, 37, Greenwood, Missouri, and a 2023 Ford Escape driven by Shawna&nbsp;O'Connor, 46, Independence, Missouri, that was stopped on the inside shoulder of the highway.The impact pushed the Chevy Equinox into a 2005 Chevy Silverado that was unoccupied on the shoulder. The semi continued toward the inside shoulder and struck a 2015 Nissan Rogue driven by Chelsea L. Shelton, 32, Olathe, and then rear-ended a 1996 Chevy pickup driven by Randal D. Hammonds, 69, Kansas City, MissouriEMS transported Hammonds, a passenger in the Chevy pickup identified as Justin E. Witt, 39, Kansas City, Missouri, and Girardi to Overland Park Regional Medical Center where Hammonds died.EMS transported Paris and a passenger in the Porsche Carmela L. Paris, 64, Leawood and Harder to Research Medical Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;O'Connor and Shelton were not injured. Hammonds, Witt and O'Connor were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

One dead, 5 injured after 7-vehicle Kansas crash

WASHINGTON&nbsp; (AP)— President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.

Video of Biden speaking with them by phone was posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the mother and daughter that he was glad they had been released.

“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.

Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.

Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.

Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”

The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.

Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.

He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.

U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>

An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.

They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.

“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.

Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.

Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.

“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.

“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”

Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.

Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.

Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.

“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.

Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697842903063.png" alt="In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp; (AP)— President Joe Biden spoke on the phone with two freed Americans who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Judith and Natalie, I’m so glad you’re coming home. <a href="https://t.co/c7az0PcYXn">pic.twitter.com/c7az0PcYXn</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715740319772295519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, were released Friday. It was the first such hostage release from among the roughly 200 people the militant group abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7 rampage.Video of Biden speaking with them by phone was posted Saturday on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. He told the mother and daughter that he was glad they had been released.“We’re going to get them all out, God willing,” he said.Natalie thanked Biden for his “services” to Israel. Judith said they are in good health.Hamas said it released the mother and daughter for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.Family members have said Judith and Natalie had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate Judith’s mother’s birthday and the Jewish holidays.-----------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

🎧 Listen to Biden phone call with 2 freed American hostages

ALLEN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday in Allen County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1976 Piper fixed-wing single engine aircraft piloted by&nbsp; James V. Devers, 27, Oklahoma City, was flying to the airport at Iola.

The plane ran out of fuel. The pilot landed the plane on 2000 Road traveling south. The end of the right wing struck a tree, causing the airplane to travel into the west ditch and strike another tree.

&nbsp;EMS Devers to the Allen County Hospital. The KHP released no additional details.

ALLEN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Saturday in Allen County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1976 Piper fixed-wing single engine aircraft piloted by&nbsp; James V. Devers, 27, Oklahoma City, was flying to the airport at Iola.The plane ran out of fuel. The pilot landed the plane on 2000 Road traveling south. The end of the right wing struck a tree, causing the airplane to travel into the west ditch and strike another tree.&nbsp;EMS Devers to the Allen County Hospital. The KHP released no additional details.

Pilot injured after small plane ran out of fuel near Kan. airport

SHAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman accused in the shooting death of her 4-year-old daughter has been charged&nbsp; in the case.

&nbsp;Mariann L. Belair, 24, of Topeka, was charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated endangering a child and distribution of meth, according to&nbsp;Shawnee County District Attorney's office

On Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

&nbsp;Officers were able to secure the scene and located&nbsp;4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair  who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The girl was transported to a local hospital and died.

By Saturday afternoon, police reported they had identified all individuals involved and early Sunday reported the arrest of Belair.&nbsp; She is being held on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697371794491.png" alt="Belair-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Belair-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY – A Kansas woman accused in the shooting death of her 4-year-old daughter has been charged&nbsp; in the case.&nbsp;Mariann L. Belair, 24, of Topeka, was charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated endangering a child and distribution of meth, according to&nbsp;Shawnee County District Attorney's officeOn Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697687958408.jpeg" alt="Lawrencia Blair-photo Chapel Oaks Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Lawrencia Blair-photo Chapel Oaks Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Officers were able to secure the scene and located&nbsp;4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The girl was transported to a local hospital and died.By Saturday afternoon, police reported they had identified all individuals involved and early Sunday reported the arrest of Belair.&nbsp; She is being held on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

Kan. woman held on $1 million bond in murder of daughter

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas man faces felony charges for recklessly causing an automobile accident on Saturday in Kansas City that killed two passengers in his vehicle including his girlfriend and her 3-year-old child, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Derrius L. Tolston, 26, faces two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree.

This crash on Oct. 14, 2023, remains under investigation and other charges are possible.

According to court records, a police officer observed in the area of Interstate 435 and Bannister Road two vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed. 

One of them, a Jeep, ran a red light and crashed into a Honda, that ejected the driver, Derrius Tolston.

The crash also killed his two passengers, Tolston's girlfriend and a 2-year-old child. Data from the airbag control module in the vehicle the Tolston's was driving showed it was traveling 92-94 mph at impact with the other vehicle in a zone posted at 40 mph.

Tolston remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697644998667.png" alt="Tolston photo Jackson" />
 <figcaption>Tolston photo Jackson</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas man faces felony charges for recklessly causing an automobile accident on Saturday in Kansas City that killed two passengers in his vehicle including his girlfriend and her 3-year-old child, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Derrius L. Tolston, 26, faces two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree.This crash on Oct. 14, 2023, remains under investigation and other charges are possible.According to court records, a police officer observed in the area of Interstate 435 and Bannister Road two vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed. One of them, a Jeep, ran a red light and crashed into a Honda, that ejected the driver, Derrius Tolston.The crash also killed his two passengers, Tolston's girlfriend and a 2-year-old child. Data from the airbag control module in the vehicle the Tolston's was driving showed it was traveling 92-94 mph at impact with the other vehicle in a zone posted at 40 mph.Tolston remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp;

Kan. man was driving 92mph in crash that killed girlfriend, her daughter

STANTON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating the death of a man who is thought to have shot himself during a standoff with law enforcement in Johnson City, Kansas.

Just before 4a.m. Saturday, the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to conduct the investigation. KBI agents responded, according to a media release.

Preliminary information indicates that just after 5p.m. Friday, a female juvenile arrived at the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office to report physical injuries she received during a recent altercation.

At approximately, 5:30 p.m., two deputies arrived at 308 E. Trude Avenue, Trailer #8, in Johnson City, attempting to question the suspect, 45-year-old Ricky L. Thompson who lived at the residence. 

Thompson would not answer the door but deputies could hear him inside. A search warrant was obtained and a key was provided to deputies. When Thompson refused to come out, they attempted to enter, but he blocked the door and began threatening deputies.

Deputies retreated from the trailer’s entrance. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team arrived on scene to assist.

For many hours law enforcement negotiated with Thompson, attempting to convince him to come out. At one point during the incident Thompson stood in the doorway yelling, and KHP fired a less-than-lethal munition toward him, but missed. Later during the incident, the door to the trailer was breached using an armored vehicle, and a phone was thrown inside to try to improve communications.

After a while Thompson became quiet, so a drone was used to view inside the residence. Drone footage indicated Thompson was injured in a back bedroom. KHP cleared the trailer and EMS rendered aid to Thompson, who appeared to have suffered a single gunshot wound to his head.

A firearm was located next to Thompson. No law enforcement officers discharged their firearms during the incident.

Thompson was transported to the Stanton County Hospital just before 4:10 a.m. He was pronounced deceased a short time later.

STANTON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating the death of a man who is thought to have shot himself during a standoff with law enforcement in Johnson City, Kansas.Just before 4a.m. Saturday, the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance to conduct the investigation. KBI agents responded, according to a media release.Preliminary information indicates that just after 5p.m. Friday, a female juvenile arrived at the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office to report physical injuries she received during a recent altercation.At approximately, 5:30 p.m., two deputies arrived at 308 E. Trude Avenue, Trailer #8, in Johnson City, attempting to question the suspect, 45-year-old Ricky L. Thompson who lived at the residence. Thompson would not answer the door but deputies could hear him inside. A search warrant was obtained and a key was provided to deputies. When Thompson refused to come out, they attempted to enter, but he blocked the door and began threatening deputies.Deputies retreated from the trailer’s entrance. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team arrived on scene to assist.For many hours law enforcement negotiated with Thompson, attempting to convince him to come out. At one point during the incident Thompson stood in the doorway yelling, and KHP fired a less-than-lethal munition toward him, but missed. Later during the incident, the door to the trailer was breached using an armored vehicle, and a phone was thrown inside to try to improve communications.After a while Thompson became quiet, so a drone was used to view inside the residence. Drone footage indicated Thompson was injured in a back bedroom. KHP cleared the trailer and EMS rendered aid to Thompson, who appeared to have suffered a single gunshot wound to his head.A firearm was located next to Thompson. No law enforcement officers discharged their firearms during the incident.Thompson was transported to the Stanton County Hospital just before 4:10 a.m. He was pronounced deceased a short time later.

KBI: Man dies after standoff at Kansas home

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY - Two people were injured in an accident Just before 8:30.m.  on Saturday near the intersection of Pfeil Creek Circle and Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Riley County.

Riley County Police Department and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks were dispatched to the scene, along with Riley County EMS, Riley County Fire District #1 and Manhattan Fire Department.

According to the KHP crash log, 70-year-old, Edward Gifford of Manhattan was flying his 2006 Pegasus Powerchute when the engine failed, causing the aircraft to crash.

Gifford and his passenger, 88-year-old, Richard Miller of Wichita were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley County EMS transported the two men to Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan for treatment of suspected serious injuries.

No structures or other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Manhattan Wrecker removed the aircraft from the scene.

Due to state statute, the Kansas Highway Patrol investigates all aviation crashes. The full KHP Crash Log can be found <a href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search/viewDetail/2023-011359">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697914596987.jpeg" alt="Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - Two people were injured in an accident Just before 8:30.m. on Saturday near the intersection of Pfeil Creek Circle and Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Riley County.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d1922.0401765592003!2d-96.59686059652168!3d39.24563824150276!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1697914539027!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Riley County Police Department and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks were dispatched to the scene, along with Riley County EMS, Riley County Fire District #1 and Manhattan Fire Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697914745354.jpeg" alt="Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the KHP crash log, 70-year-old, Edward Gifford of Manhattan was flying his 2006 Pegasus Powerchute when the engine failed, causing the aircraft to crash.Gifford and his passenger, 88-year-old, Richard Miller of Wichita were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley County EMS transported the two men to Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan for treatment of suspected serious injuries.No structures or other vehicles were involved in the crash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697915016558.jpeg" alt="Damaged Pegasus Powerchute, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Damaged Pegasus Powerchute, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>Manhattan Wrecker removed the aircraft from the scene.Due to state statute, the Kansas Highway Patrol investigates all aviation crashes. The full KHP Crash Log can be found <a href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search/viewDetail/2023-011359">here</a>.

2 Kansas men hospitalized after power parachute crash

KANSAS CITY —An indictment was unsealed Thursday in Kansas City, Kansas, charging two businessmen for an alleged scheme to fraudulently steer and award subcontracts by a major engineering firm for work on nuclear weapons manufacturing projects for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, from at least 2011 through approximately January 2021, Michael Clinesmith, 67, of Kansas, allegedly solicited and received kickbacks and bribes from Richard Mueller, 63, of Missouri, in exchange for steering subcontracts from Clinesmith’s employer to Mueller’s company (Subcontractor 1).

 Clinesmith, a long-tenured employee of a major engineering firm (Company 1) working at the KCNSC, was responsible for designing and procuring gages that were specially designed and manufactured to measure the components of nuclear weapon products. Clinesmith allegedly used his position and authority at Company 1 to steer gage subcontracts to Subcontractor 1 in exchange for Mueller paying him over $1 million for surreptitiously performing some or all of the work. Clinesmith is alleged to have told Mueller how much to bid on gage subcontracts that Company 1 awarded. Then, Clinesmith told his employer, Company 1, that those bids were fair and reasonable without disclosing that, in exchange for the subcontracts, Mueller would secretly funnel to Clinesmith the money awarded to Subcontractor 1. The indictment also alleges that Mueller lied to federal agents regarding the number of impacted subcontracts and his involvement in the scheme.

Clinesmith and Mueller are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud. Mueller is also charged with one count of making false statements to federal agents. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy, wire fraud, and honest services wire fraud charges. Mueller also faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the false statements charge.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas, and Special Agent in Charge Justin Kessel of the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG), Western Field Office made the announcement.

The DOE-OIG Western Field Office is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Andrew Jaco of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.

If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov">victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov</a>. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/crime-victims-rights-actcvra-ley-de-derechos-de-las-victimas-de-delitos" target="_blank">www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/crime-victims-rights-actcvra-ley-de-derechos-de-las-victimas-de-delitos</a>.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695226853288.png" alt="In this image provided by the U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman Jacob Deas, 23, left, and Airman 1st Class Jonathan Marrs, 21, right, secure the titanium shroud at the top of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on Aug. 24, 2023, at the Bravo 9 silo at Malmstrom Air Force Base. After the shroud is secured, it is lifted off, revealing the black cone-shaped nuclear warhead inside. (John Turner/U.S. Air Force via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this image provided by the U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman Jacob Deas, 23, left, and Airman 1st Class Jonathan Marrs, 21, right, secure the titanium shroud at the top of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on Aug. 24, 2023, at the Bravo 9 silo at Malmstrom Air Force Base. After the shroud is secured, it is lifted off, revealing the black cone-shaped nuclear warhead inside. (John Turner/U.S. Air Force via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —An indictment was unsealed Thursday in Kansas City, Kansas, charging two businessmen for an alleged scheme to fraudulently steer and award subcontracts by a major engineering firm for work on nuclear weapons manufacturing projects for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, from at least 2011 through approximately January 2021, Michael Clinesmith, 67, of Kansas, allegedly solicited and received kickbacks and bribes from Richard Mueller, 63, of Missouri, in exchange for steering subcontracts from Clinesmith’s employer to Mueller’s company (Subcontractor 1). Clinesmith, a long-tenured employee of a major engineering firm (Company 1) working at the KCNSC, was responsible for designing and procuring gages that were specially designed and manufactured to measure the components of nuclear weapon products. Clinesmith allegedly used his position and authority at Company 1 to steer gage subcontracts to Subcontractor 1 in exchange for Mueller paying him over $1 million for surreptitiously performing some or all of the work. Clinesmith is alleged to have told Mueller how much to bid on gage subcontracts that Company 1 awarded. Then, Clinesmith told his employer, Company 1, that those bids were fair and reasonable without disclosing that, in exchange for the subcontracts, Mueller would secretly funnel to Clinesmith the money awarded to Subcontractor 1. The indictment also alleges that Mueller lied to federal agents regarding the number of impacted subcontracts and his involvement in the scheme.Clinesmith and Mueller are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud. Mueller is also charged with one count of making false statements to federal agents. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy, wire fraud, and honest services wire fraud charges. Mueller also faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the false statements charge.Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas, and Special Agent in Charge Justin Kessel of the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG), Western Field Office made the announcement.The DOE-OIG Western Field Office is investigating the case.Trial Attorney Andrew Jaco of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov">victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov</a>. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/crime-victims-rights-actcvra-ley-de-derechos-de-las-victimas-de-delitos" target="_blank">www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/crime-victims-rights-actcvra-ley-de-derechos-de-las-victimas-de-delitos</a>.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kan. man charged in $1M scheme involving nuclear weapons 

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;a dog bite and asking the public for help with information.

The incident occurred just after 12:30p.m. Friday in the 9300 block of Outlook in Overland Park, according to a media release from Overland Park police.

The dog is described as a brown and white Boston Terrier with a tan harness.&nbsp; Two white males were walking the dog. The first man looked to be approximately 25-30 years of age wearing tan pants. He had blonde hair and glasses.  The second man was around fifty years of age with a heavy accent according to the victim and was wearing hat. 

 The two men did not give any information and continued walking northbound on Outlook. 

 The victim suffered minor injuries.If you have any information related to the dog or owner please contact the Overland Park Police Department Animal Control at 913-895-6420. Prepared by:  John Lacy #653

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;a dog bite and asking the public for help with information.The incident occurred just after 12:30p.m. Friday in the 9300 block of Outlook in Overland Park, according to a media release from Overland Park police.The dog is described as a brown and white Boston Terrier with a tan harness.&nbsp; Two white males were walking the dog. The first man looked to be approximately 25-30 years of age wearing tan pants. He had blonde hair and glasses. The second man was around fifty years of age with a heavy accent according to the victim and was wearing hat. The two men did not give any information and continued walking northbound on Outlook. The victim suffered minor injuries.If you have any information related to the dog or owner please contact the Overland Park Police Department Animal Control at 913-895-6420. Prepared by: John Lacy #653

Police investigate dog bite incident in Kansas

RILEY COUNTY&nbsp; —Three people were injured after a shooting in the 400 block of Bluemont in Manhattan early Saturday, acording to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

Just before 3a.m., the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls. reporting gunfire. When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. 

A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident. All injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. The victim ages are 16, 19, and 19.&nbsp;

Through further investigation officers determined a large house party in the same location occurred during the time of the shooting.&nbsp;

Bluemont was closed between 4th and 6th street for about 3 hours but has since reopened. You may see law enforcement presence continue in the area as the investigation is ongoing.

RILEY COUNTY&nbsp; —Three people were injured after a shooting in the 400 block of Bluemont in Manhattan early Saturday, acording to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.Just before 3a.m., the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls. reporting gunfire. When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident. All injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. The victim ages are 16, 19, and 19.&nbsp;Through further investigation officers determined a large house party in the same location occurred during the time of the shooting.&nbsp;Bluemont was closed between 4th and 6th street for about 3 hours but has since reopened. You may see law enforcement presence continue in the area as the investigation is ongoing.

Police: 3 injured in shooting near large house party in Manhattan

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697842903063.png" alt="In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she’s doing well following two weeks in captivity after she and her mother were abducted in Israel by Hamas and held in Gaza.Uri Raanan of Illinois told The Associated Press that he spoke to his daughter Friday by telephone. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good,” said Uri, who lives in the Chicago suburbs. “I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”The 71-year-old said he saw on the news earlier Friday that an American mother and daughter would be released by Hamas, and he spent the day hoping that meant his daughter and her mother, Judith.Knowing Natalie may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends feels “wonderful. The best news,” Uri Raanan said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just spoke with the two Americans released today after being held hostage by Hamas. I let them know that their government will fully support them as they recover and heal. Jill and I will continue holding close in our hearts all the families of unaccounted for Americans. <a href="https://t.co/oXk6gfrD8M">pic.twitter.com/oXk6gfrD8M</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1715489606722801704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He said he believes Natalie and Judith to be in transit to Tel Aviv to reunite with relatives, and that both will be back in the U.S. early next week.U.S. President Joe Biden was among the many celebrating the stunning news that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-ed6875f15ea0d2bc196e4033b54b7194">the Raanans had been freed.</a>An Israeli army spokesman said the two Americans were out of the Gaza Strip and with the Israeli military.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-news-10-19-2023">Hamas said Friday</a>&nbsp;it released them for humanitarian reasons in an agreement with the Qatari government.They were the first hostages to be released since Hamas militants, according to Israel, abducted roughly 200 people during their Oct. 7 rampage.“I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family, who has been wracked with fear,” Biden said in Washington. The president spoke Friday with Judith and Natalie and "relayed that they will have the full support of the U.S. government as they recover from this terrible ordeal,” the White House said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697827658899.png" alt="In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)" />
 <figcaption>In this undated photo provided by Rabbi Meir Hecht on behalf of the Raanan family is Judith Raanan, left, and her daughter Natalie, 18, after Natalie's recent high school graduation. Judith and Natalie are missing while visiting relatives in Nahal Oz for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah. (Raanan Family via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>The International Committee of the Red Cross, which transported the freed Americans from Gaza to Israel, said their release offered "a sliver of hope” for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostages-israel-hamas-war-what-to-know-406920c384818fa4fe3525327adf3f50">those still being held</a>.Judith and Natalie Ranaan had been on a trip from their home in the Chicago suburb of Evanston to Israel to celebrate the Jewish holidays, according to family members. They were in Nahal Oz, near Gaza, on Oct. 7 for Simchat Torah, a festive Jewish holiday, when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israeli towns, killing hundreds of people and abducting others.Their family had heard nothing from them since the attack and were later told by U.S. and Israeli officials that they were being held in Gaza, Natalie’s brother Ben has said.“The news that Judith and Natalie have been released from the hands of Hamas is overwhelming. It brings us a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Almighty, to God, for this incredible miracle,” Meir Hecht, Judith Raanan’s rabbi, said at a press conference outside his home in Evanston on Friday afternoon.“At the same time we hold our pain very deep,” said Hecht, who called for the other hostages to be released as soon as possible. “We need to continue besieging whoever we can and however we can, and praying for their release.”Judith came regularly to Meir’s congregation and felt like “part of our family,” the rabbi said.Natalie Raanan loves art, makeup, fashion, and DoorDash -- “she hates eating at home,” according to her brother Ben, who is based in Denver. She graduated from high school this year and was deciding between going to college to study interior or fashion design and taking an apprenticeship with a tattoo shop.Ben Raanan described Natalie as “just a very loving, kind person.” Their middle brother, Adam, is nonverbal and much older than she is, but Natalie makes it a priority to maintain a strong bond with him, he explained.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth expressed relief at news of the Raanans’ release while asking people to remember other families whose relatives were abducted.“They are now safe and receiving necessary medical treatment,” Pritzker said of Natalie and Judith. “I cannot wait to welcome them back home after demonstrating immense strength and bravery in the face of unthinkable terror.”French President Emmanuel Macron said the release of the two Americans is “a very good result” and expressed hope it could help pave the way for others to be freed, including French-Israelis feared held in Gaza.Qatar said it would continue its dialogue with Israel and Hamas in hopes of winning the release of all hostages “with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace.”Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel was continuing to work to return hostages and find the missing, and its goals had not changed. “We are continuing the war against Hamas and ready for the next stage of the war,” he said.

Father of freed American teen hostage says she's "doing very good”

ELLIS COUNTY — Jauwon Allen was located and arrested by the Hays Police Department Special Situation Response Team, according to a post on the HPD Facebook page.

Police released no additional details early Saturday.

ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement continue a search for a wanted Kansas felon. Jauwon Antonio Allen, 33, was the subject of a search in Hays Friday afternoon, according toa social media report from police.

On Friday evening, Hays Police reported that they believe Allen is no longer in Hays.&nbsp;

Police reported that they were seeking&nbsp;assistance in locating a the violent offender with a probation violation arrest warrant who fled from officers on Friday.

Allen is described as a black male,&nbsp; 5-foo-7 and around 200 pounds. He has a goatee and may be wearing a white tank top, grey sweatpants, and have a long-sleeve sweatshirt that is blue and red. If you see Jauwon Allen, do not approach him and call 911.

Allen has previous felony convictions for kidnapping, robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Local law enforcement officials are looking for a fugitive male from community corrections in Hays.

"Need assistance in locating a Violent Offender with a probation violation arrest warrant that fled from officers. 

 The suspect is a 33-year-old, black male, named Jauwon Antonio Allen.  He is 5'07" and around 200 lbs.  He has a goatee and may be wearing a white tank top, grey sweatpants, and have a long sleeve sweatshirt that is blue and red.  If you see Jauwon Allen, do not approach him and call 911."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697824977947.jpeg" alt="Allen has previous felony convictions for kidnapping, robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Allen has previous felony convictions for kidnapping, robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY — Jauwon Allen was located and arrested by the Hays Police Department Special Situation Response Team, according to a post on the HPD Facebook page.Police released no additional details early Saturday.------------ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement continue a search for a wanted Kansas felon. Jauwon Antonio Allen, 33, was the subject of a search in Hays Friday afternoon, according toa social media report from police.On Friday evening, Hays Police reported that they believe Allen is no longer in Hays.&nbsp;Police reported that they were seeking&nbsp;assistance in locating a the violent offender with a probation violation arrest warrant who fled from officers on Friday.Allen is described as a black male,&nbsp; 5-foo-7 and around 200 pounds. He has a goatee and may be wearing a white tank top, grey sweatpants, and have a long-sleeve sweatshirt that is blue and red. If you see Jauwon Allen, do not approach him and call 911.Allen has previous felony convictions for kidnapping, robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.----------Local law enforcement officials are looking for a fugitive male from community corrections in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697824977947.jpeg" alt="Jauwon Antonio Allen" />
 <figcaption>Jauwon Antonio Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>In a Facebook post Hays Police said:"Need assistance in locating a Violent Offender with a probation violation arrest warrant that fled from officers. The suspect is a 33-year-old, black male, named Jauwon Antonio Allen. He is 5'07" and around 200 lbs. He has a goatee and may be wearing a white tank top, grey sweatpants, and have a long sleeve sweatshirt that is blue and red. If you see Jauwon Allen, do not approach him and call 911."The male was reported last seen in southeast Hays.More on the fugitive's description and the search area will be released shortly.