BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have arrested a&nbsp;suspect in&nbsp;the 1980 homicide of&nbsp;Mary Robin Walter, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The suspect, Steven L. Hanks, age 68, Burden, Kansas, is being transported to Barton County at this time.&nbsp;Hanks was arrested at Oxford in Sumner County.&nbsp; Hanks has previous convictions in 1983 for rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery&nbsp;

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office, Barton County Attorney’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of&nbsp;Investigation will release more information on the case Friday morning.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670609613326.jpeg" alt="Hanks- photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Hanks- photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have arrested a&nbsp;suspect in&nbsp;the 1980 homicide of&nbsp;Mary Robin Walter, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The suspect, Steven L. Hanks, age 68, Burden, Kansas, is being transported to Barton County at this time.&nbsp;Hanks was arrested at Oxford in Sumner County.&nbsp; Hanks has previous convictions in 1983 for rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery&nbsp; The Barton County Sheriff’s Office, Barton County Attorney’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of&nbsp;Investigation will release more information on the case Friday morning.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kansas felon arrested in 1980 cold case homicide

KANSAS CITY – A criminal complaint was filed Thursday in Federal Court charging two individuals with escaping confinement and a third individual with assisting them, according to the United State's Attorney.

Trevor Scott Sparks, 33, Kansas City and Sergio Perez Martinez, 43, Panorama City, CA, were charged in a two-count criminal complaint with escape from confinement and aiding or assisting in escape from confinement. 

A third individual, Steven Lydell Williams, Sr., 64, Kansas City, was also charged in the complaint with a single count of aiding or assisting in the escape.

&nbsp;Sparks and Perez Martinez, who escaped from the Cass County jail south of Kansas City, remain at large. 

Williams, Sr. is scheduled to made his initial appearance before a federal Magistrate Judge Thursday afternoon and will remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing next week where the United States will argue for his continued pretrial detention pending resolution of the charge.

Anyone with information regarding the two escaped individuals are urged to contact law enforcement or the TIPS hotline at (816) 474-TIPS, 1-800-Call-FBI or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftips.fbi.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1nE_5SYQNMe-WqIpjNI6DQFjGDwc6XyqzoaiTDHRpYh0FW1nkCGbo7DCg&amp;h=AT3OxKHHDB74mLcbJE754ptru7MMpAdUwruXaSgaJKN6dIORTvEoT4dPVVgeuTdugKvw68tTWHQheMi83N8d5zwnwKTj_h6QmyprS4eapzqdEI5gzPXNXy7WjDeNVfnGmorfxG0&amp;__tn__=R]-R&amp;c[0]=AT2kLmGFUWn6ReA7ClYTffnK3NSRKpYG3PdhTmYQGzgeO6d4Dz4yGBcKXpp9--tE46P5BseH2KrRx1JNs384cmEnawU3yuzxuafCj1i0absEgNvewRUtZfO085NxJHAy4rn6GJ1OGxU2r1JitqWqQtZEyUN-YSc_8s_BTSiL8HZU_7neQHxhEkLiL7snWy-Rmr19vyvqIAt_" target="_blank">tips.fbi.gov</a>&nbsp;if they wish to remain anonymous. The U.S. Marshals is offering a $5,000 reward for each individual for tips that lead to their capture.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670413662559.png" alt="Perez-Martinez-photo Cass Co." />
 <figcaption>Perez-Martinez-photo Cass Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A criminal complaint was filed Thursday in Federal Court charging two individuals with escaping confinement and a third individual with assisting them, according to the United State's Attorney.Trevor Scott Sparks, 33, Kansas City and Sergio Perez Martinez, 43, Panorama City, CA, were charged in a two-count criminal complaint with escape from confinement and aiding or assisting in escape from confinement. A third individual, Steven Lydell Williams, Sr., 64, Kansas City, was also charged in the complaint with a single count of aiding or assisting in the escape.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670413683995.png" alt="Sparks-photo Cass Co." />
 <figcaption>Sparks-photo Cass Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Sparks and Perez Martinez, who escaped from the Cass County jail south of Kansas City, remain at large. Williams, Sr. is scheduled to made his initial appearance before a federal Magistrate Judge Thursday afternoon and will remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing next week where the United States will argue for his continued pretrial detention pending resolution of the charge.Anyone with information regarding the two escaped individuals are urged to contact law enforcement or the TIPS hotline at (816) 474-TIPS, 1-800-Call-FBI or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftips.fbi.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1nE_5SYQNMe-WqIpjNI6DQFjGDwc6XyqzoaiTDHRpYh0FW1nkCGbo7DCg&amp;h=AT3OxKHHDB74mLcbJE754ptru7MMpAdUwruXaSgaJKN6dIORTvEoT4dPVVgeuTdugKvw68tTWHQheMi83N8d5zwnwKTj_h6QmyprS4eapzqdEI5gzPXNXy7WjDeNVfnGmorfxG0&amp;__tn__=R]-R&amp;c[0]=AT2kLmGFUWn6ReA7ClYTffnK3NSRKpYG3PdhTmYQGzgeO6d4Dz4yGBcKXpp9--tE46P5BseH2KrRx1JNs384cmEnawU3yuzxuafCj1i0absEgNvewRUtZfO085NxJHAy4rn6GJ1OGxU2r1JitqWqQtZEyUN-YSc_8s_BTSiL8HZU_7neQHxhEkLiL7snWy-Rmr19vyvqIAt_" target="_blank">tips.fbi.gov</a>&nbsp;if they wish to remain anonymous. The U.S. Marshals is offering a $5,000 reward for each individual for tips that lead to their capture.&nbsp;

Man charged with helping KC-area inmates escape from jail

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County made her first court appearance Wednesday.

Tehya Turner, 19 of Haysville, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, burglary, and a misdemeanor count of theft, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

On November 29, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Boone was last seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as 31-year-old Saul Chavez Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita. 

It is believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.

On November 30, follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Ditch.

Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where a body was located. At this time, it is believed to be Boone, according to Ditch.

Police took Turner into custody on Dec. 2, and are actively searching for Saul Chavez&nbsp;Valenciana in connection to this case. 

Turner is being held on a one million dollar bond, according to the district attorney's office. Attorneys in the case are due to discuss it further on Dec. 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670173983028.png" alt="Turner-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Turner-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman accused in the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County made her first court appearance Wednesday.Tehya Turner, 19 of Haysville, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, burglary, and a misdemeanor count of theft, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.On November 29, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Boone was last seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as 31-year-old Saul Chavez Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670023341610.png" alt="Valenciana-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Valenciana-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>It is believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.On November 30, follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Ditch.Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where a body was located. At this time, it is believed to be Boone, according to Ditch.Police took Turner into custody on Dec. 2, and are actively searching for Saul Chavez&nbsp;Valenciana in connection to this case. Turner is being held on a one million dollar bond, according to the district attorney's office. Attorneys in the case are due to discuss it further on Dec. 19.

Woman held on $1M bond after man's body found in rural Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash on Sunday have positively identified the victims as&nbsp; 16-year-old Michael Tolan Jr. and 18-year-old Eric Gonzales-Del Real both of Topeka, according to the Shawnee County Coroner.

According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. Gonzalez-Real was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported Tolan, Jr. to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Just after 10:30a.m. Monday, police reported he had also died.

Police released no additional details Thursday afternoon.

SHAWNEE COUNTY(WIBW)—A second person has died from injuries accident just before 2:30 pm Sunday in Shawnee County.

According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. One person was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported another person to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Just after 10:30a.m. Monday, police reported that person had also died.

Police asked the public to avoid the area of SE 6th and Madison as well as westbound Interstate 70 at 10th Street.

Just before 5a.m. Monday, Police Lt. Kerry Connell reported all roads in the area were open.&nbsp; Police have not reported names of the victims or additional details of the accident.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2:30 pm Sunday in Shawnee County.

According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. One person was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported another person to the hospital with life threatening injuries. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670238218069.png" alt="Photo by Lane Gillespie courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Lane Gillespie courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash on Sunday have positively identified the victims as&nbsp; 16-year-old Michael Tolan Jr. and 18-year-old Eric Gonzales-Del Real both of Topeka, according to the Shawnee County Coroner.According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. Gonzalez-Real was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported Tolan, Jr. to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Just after 10:30a.m. Monday, police reported he had also died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670238098086.png" alt="Photo by Lane Gillespie courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Lane Gillespie courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police released no additional details Thursday afternoon.------------SHAWNEE COUNTY(WIBW)—A second person has died from injuries accident just before 2:30 pm Sunday in Shawnee County.According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. One person was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported another person to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Just after 10:30a.m. Monday, police reported that person had also died.Police asked the public to avoid the area of SE 6th and Madison as well as westbound Interstate 70 at 10th Street.Just before 5a.m. Monday, Police Lt. Kerry Connell reported all roads in the area were open.&nbsp; Police have not reported names of the victims or additional details of the accident.---------SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2:30 pm Sunday in Shawnee County.According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. One person was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported another person to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Police asked the public to avoid the area of SE 6th and Madison as well as westbound Interstate 70 at 10th Street.Just before 5a.m. Monday, Police Lt. Kerry Connell reported all roads in the area were open.&nbsp; Police have not reported names of the victims or additional details of the accident.

Police ID Kan. teens who died in crash that sent car over bridge

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The ACLU of Missouri is suing a suburban Kansas City school district over its policy of automatically removing any challenged library material before it is reviewed.

The ACLU argues in a federal lawsuit filed this week that the Independence School District's current policy violates students' First Amendment rights because it “restricts their access to ideas and information for an improper purpose and without any prior notice.”

Under the current policy, a library material is automatically removed after it is challenged. A committee then evaluates the material and the school board votes on whether to keep it, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article269669086.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

The district said in a statement Wednesday that it stands by the policy, which it said was "thoughtful, well-considered, and calculated to balance and protect the rights of all students and their parents.”

The district said its policy is nearly identical to policies used by numerous public school districts in Missouri.

“The District will vigorously defend against this lawsuit,” the statement said. "It is unfortunate that the District will be required to expend taxpayer funds to defend against the ACLU’s latest unfounded complaint.”

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of four parents in the district, comes after a parent in April challenged the children’s book “Cats vs. Robots #1: This Is War” because it includes a nonbinary character. The book was removed from shelves while a committee reviewed it, and the school board then voted to permanently remove it from elementary school libraries.

The book, with themes about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is marketed toward children ages 8 through 12. Only three pages of the 307-page book discuss the character being nonbinary, the ACLU’s suit says.

The current policy also doesn't provide an appeal process, which the ACLU argues violates students' rights “because it restricts their access to ideas and information for an improper purpose and without any prior notice.”

The lawsuit comes as efforts to remove books in school and public libraries increase across the country.

The ACLU’s lawsuit says 138 school districts in 32 states removed more than 2,500 books during the 2021-22 school year. And 41% of all books banned nationwide during the school year contained LGBTQ characters while 40% of book removals included important characters of color and 21% of the banned books directly addressed issues of race and racism, according to the suit.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The ACLU of Missouri is suing a suburban Kansas City school district over its policy of automatically removing any challenged library material before it is reviewed.The ACLU argues in a federal lawsuit filed this week that the Independence School District's current policy violates students' First Amendment rights because it “restricts their access to ideas and information for an improper purpose and without any prior notice.”Under the current policy, a library material is automatically removed after it is challenged. A committee then evaluates the material and the school board votes on whether to keep it, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article269669086.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.The district said in a statement Wednesday that it stands by the policy, which it said was "thoughtful, well-considered, and calculated to balance and protect the rights of all students and their parents.”The district said its policy is nearly identical to policies used by numerous public school districts in Missouri.“The District will vigorously defend against this lawsuit,” the statement said. "It is unfortunate that the District will be required to expend taxpayer funds to defend against the ACLU’s latest unfounded complaint.”The lawsuit, filed on behalf of four parents in the district, comes after a parent in April challenged the children’s book “Cats vs. Robots #1: This Is War” because it includes a nonbinary character. The book was removed from shelves while a committee reviewed it, and the school board then voted to permanently remove it from elementary school libraries.The book, with themes about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is marketed toward children ages 8 through 12. Only three pages of the 307-page book discuss the character being nonbinary, the ACLU’s suit says.The current policy also doesn't provide an appeal process, which the ACLU argues violates students' rights “because it restricts their access to ideas and information for an improper purpose and without any prior notice.”The lawsuit comes as efforts to remove books in school and public libraries increase across the country.The ACLU’s lawsuit says 138 school districts in 32 states removed more than 2,500 books during the 2021-22 school year. And 41% of all books banned nationwide during the school year contained LGBTQ characters while 40% of book removals included important characters of color and 21% of the banned books directly addressed issues of race and racism, according to the suit.

ACLU sues KC-area school district over book removal policy

By JOHN HANNA and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An oil spill in a creek in northeastern Kansas shut down a major pipeline that carries oil from Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast, briefly causing oil prices to rise on Thursday.

Canada-based TC Energy said it shut down its Keystone system Wednesday night following a drop in pipeline pressure. It said oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City.

The company said in a news release that the pipeline segment where the spill occurred had been “isolated” and that the company was using booms, or barriers, to keep the spilled oil from moving downstream. It didn't say how much oil was spilled or what caused the spill.

“People are sometimes not aware of of the havoc that these things can wreak until the disaster happens,” said Zack Pistora, who lobbies the Kansas Legislature for the Sierra Club's state chapter.

Concerns that spills could pollute waterways spurred opposition to plans by TC Energy to build another crude oil pipeline in the Keystone system, the 1,200-mile Keystone XL, which would have cut across Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. Critics also argued that using crude from western Canada's oil sands would make climate change worse, and President Joe Biden's cancelation of a U.S. permit for the project led the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-keystone-pipeline-canada-environment-and-nature-141eabd7cca6449dfbd2dab8165812f2">to pull the plug last year.</a>

In 2019, the Keystone pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nd-state-wire-ne-state-wire-us-news-mo-state-wire-sd-state-wire-d3f301c4e5014981949be28fae8e15d7">leaked an estimated 383,000 gallons</a>&nbsp;(1.4 million liters) of oil in eastern North Dakota, damaging about five acres.

Janet Kleeb, who founded the Bold Nebraska environmental and landowner rights group that campaigned against the Keystone XL, said there have been at least 22 spills along the original Keystone pipeline since it went into service in 2010. She said federal studies have shown that the type of heavy tar sands oil the pipeline carries can be especially difficult to clean up in water because it tends to sink.

“All oil spills are difficult, but tar sands in particular are very toxic and very difficult, so I’m awfully concerned,” said Kleeb, who is also the Nebraska Democratic Party's chair.

But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said there were no known effects yet on drinking water wells or the public. Randy Hubbard, the Washington County Emergency Management coordinator, said there had been no evacuations because the break happened in a rural area in the middle of a pasture.

Keystone said in its statement: “Our primary focus right now is the health and safety of onsite staff and personnel, the surrounding community, and mitigating risk to the environment through the deployment of booms downstream as we work to contain and prevent further migration of the release.”

There was a brief surge in oil prices midday Thursday as word of the spill in Kansas began to spread, with the cost for a barrel of oil for near-term contracts rising by nearly 5%, and above the cost of oil contracts further into the future. That typically suggests there is anxiety in the market over immediate supply.

A U.S. Energy Information Administration spokesperson said the Keystone pipeline moves about 600,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada to Cushing, Oklahoma, where it can connect to another pipeline to the Gulf Coast. That’s compared to the total of 3.5 million to 4 million barrels of Canadian oil imported into the U.S. every day.

Past Keystone spills have led to outages that lasted about two weeks, but this outage could possibly be longer because it involves a body of water, said analysts at RBC Capital Markets in a note to investors. Depending on the spill’s location, it’s possible that a portion of the pipeline could restart sooner, they said.

“It’s something to keep an eye on, but not necessarily an immediate impact for now,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which tracks gasoline prices. “It could eventually impact oil supplies to refiners, which could be severe if it lasts more than a few days.”

The spill was 5 miles (8 kilometers) northeast of Washington, the county seat of about 1,100 residents. Paul Stewart, an area farmer, said part of it was contained on his land using yellow booms and a dam of dirt. The spill occurred in Mill Creek, which flows into the Little Blue River. That river feeds the Big Blue River, which flows into Tuttle Creek Lake, north of Manhattan, home of Kansas State University.

Dan Thalmann, the publisher and editor of The Washington County News, a weekly publication, said crews were creating a rock path to the creek because recent rains made the fields too soft to move heavy machinery over them.

“Gosh, the traffic past my house is unbelievable — trucks after trucks after trucks,” said Stewart, who took down an electric fence he'd finished putting up Wednesday, fearing that heavy equipment might knock it down and drag it into a field.

Chris Pannbacker said the pipeline runs through her family's farm. She and her husband drove north of the family's farmhouse and across a bridge over Mill Creek.

“We looked at it from both sides, and it was black on both sides,” said Pannbacker, who also is a reporter for the Marysville Advocate newspaper.

Junior Roop, the sexton of a cemetery near the site of the spill, said people could smell the oil in town.

“It was about like driving by a refinery,” he said.

“Much of the oil through Keystone gets exported, so we expect little to no impact on domestic gasoline prices,” said Andrew Gross, spokesman for AAA. “Any spike in reaction will likely subside quickly as other news takes over.”

Randy Hubbard, the Washington County Emergency Management coordinator, said there had been no evacuations because the break happened in a rural area in the middle of a pasture. He didn’t know the name of the creek or what body of water it flows into.

He said the pipeline operator hasn’t disclosed how much oil was discharged and that it could take a day and a half to get that data.

He said he hadn’t been to the site but is supporting investigators with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The Kansas department's spokesman, Matt Lara, said it was sending a team to the site but had no information. The EPA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment and officials with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration didn’t immediately respond to questions about the oil spill Thursday.

“Everyone is in their fact-finding process,” Hubbard said.

Canada-based TC Energy said it shut down its Keystone system Wednesday night following a drop in pipeline pressure. It said oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles northwest of Kansas City.

There was a brief surge in oil prices midday Thursday as word of the spill began to spread, with the cost for a barrel of oil for near-term contracts rising by nearly 5%, and above the cost of oil contracts further into the future. That typically suggests there is anxiety in the market over immediate supply.

The Keystone pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nd-state-wire-ne-state-wire-us-news-mo-state-wire-sd-state-wire-d3f301c4e5014981949be28fae8e15d7">in 2019 leaked</a>&nbsp;an estimated 383,000 gallons (1.4 million liters) of oil in eastern North Dakota, damaging about five acres.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670525599435.png" alt="Oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles northwest of Kansas City.- Photo courtesy TC Energy&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles northwest of Kansas City.- Photo courtesy TC Energy&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An oil spill in a creek in northeastern Kansas shut down a major pipeline that carries oil from Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast, briefly causing oil prices to rise on Thursday.Canada-based TC Energy said it shut down its Keystone system Wednesday night following a drop in pipeline pressure. It said oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City.The company said in a news release that the pipeline segment where the spill occurred had been “isolated” and that the company was using booms, or barriers, to keep the spilled oil from moving downstream. It didn't say how much oil was spilled or what caused the spill.“People are sometimes not aware of of the havoc that these things can wreak until the disaster happens,” said Zack Pistora, who lobbies the Kansas Legislature for the Sierra Club's state chapter.Concerns that spills could pollute waterways spurred opposition to plans by TC Energy to build another crude oil pipeline in the Keystone system, the 1,200-mile Keystone XL, which would have cut across Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. Critics also argued that using crude from western Canada's oil sands would make climate change worse, and President Joe Biden's cancelation of a U.S. permit for the project led the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-keystone-pipeline-canada-environment-and-nature-141eabd7cca6449dfbd2dab8165812f2">to pull the plug last year.</a>In 2019, the Keystone pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nd-state-wire-ne-state-wire-us-news-mo-state-wire-sd-state-wire-d3f301c4e5014981949be28fae8e15d7">leaked an estimated 383,000 gallons</a>&nbsp;(1.4 million liters) of oil in eastern North Dakota, damaging about five acres.Janet Kleeb, who founded the Bold Nebraska environmental and landowner rights group that campaigned against the Keystone XL, said there have been at least 22 spills along the original Keystone pipeline since it went into service in 2010. She said federal studies have shown that the type of heavy tar sands oil the pipeline carries can be especially difficult to clean up in water because it tends to sink.“All oil spills are difficult, but tar sands in particular are very toxic and very difficult, so I’m awfully concerned,” said Kleeb, who is also the Nebraska Democratic Party's chair.But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said there were no known effects yet on drinking water wells or the public. Randy Hubbard, the Washington County Emergency Management coordinator, said there had been no evacuations because the break happened in a rural area in the middle of a pasture.Keystone said in its statement: “Our primary focus right now is the health and safety of onsite staff and personnel, the surrounding community, and mitigating risk to the environment through the deployment of booms downstream as we work to contain and prevent further migration of the release.”There was a brief surge in oil prices midday Thursday as word of the spill in Kansas began to spread, with the cost for a barrel of oil for near-term contracts rising by nearly 5%, and above the cost of oil contracts further into the future. That typically suggests there is anxiety in the market over immediate supply.A U.S. Energy Information Administration spokesperson said the Keystone pipeline moves about 600,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada to Cushing, Oklahoma, where it can connect to another pipeline to the Gulf Coast. That’s compared to the total of 3.5 million to 4 million barrels of Canadian oil imported into the U.S. every day.Past Keystone spills have led to outages that lasted about two weeks, but this outage could possibly be longer because it involves a body of water, said analysts at RBC Capital Markets in a note to investors. Depending on the spill’s location, it’s possible that a portion of the pipeline could restart sooner, they said.“It’s something to keep an eye on, but not necessarily an immediate impact for now,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which tracks gasoline prices. “It could eventually impact oil supplies to refiners, which could be severe if it lasts more than a few days.”The spill was 5 miles (8 kilometers) northeast of Washington, the county seat of about 1,100 residents. Paul Stewart, an area farmer, said part of it was contained on his land using yellow booms and a dam of dirt. The spill occurred in Mill Creek, which flows into the Little Blue River. That river feeds the Big Blue River, which flows into Tuttle Creek Lake, north of Manhattan, home of Kansas State University.Dan Thalmann, the publisher and editor of The Washington County News, a weekly publication, said crews were creating a rock path to the creek because recent rains made the fields too soft to move heavy machinery over them.“Gosh, the traffic past my house is unbelievable — trucks after trucks after trucks,” said Stewart, who took down an electric fence he'd finished putting up Wednesday, fearing that heavy equipment might knock it down and drag it into a field.Chris Pannbacker said the pipeline runs through her family's farm. She and her husband drove north of the family's farmhouse and across a bridge over Mill Creek.“We looked at it from both sides, and it was black on both sides,” said Pannbacker, who also is a reporter for the Marysville Advocate newspaper.Junior Roop, the sexton of a cemetery near the site of the spill, said people could smell the oil in town.“It was about like driving by a refinery,” he said.------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An oil spill in a creek in northeastern Kansas shut down a major pipeline that carries oil from Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast, briefly causing oil prices to rise on Thursday.Canada-based TC Energy said it shut down its Keystone system Wednesday night following a drop in pipeline pressure. It said oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City.The company said in a news release that the pipeline segment where the spill occurred had been “isolated” and that the company was using booms, or barriers, to keep the spilled oil from moving downstream. It didn't say how much oil was spilled or what caused the spill.Concerns that spills could pollute waterways spurred opposition to plans by TC Energy to build another crude oil pipeline in the Keystone system, the 1,200-mile Keystone XL, which would have cut across Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. Critics also argued that using crude from western Canada's oil sands would make climate change worse, and President Joe Biden's cancelation of a U.S. permit for the project led the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-keystone-pipeline-canada-environment-and-nature-141eabd7cca6449dfbd2dab8165812f2">to pull the plug last year.</a>In 2019, the Keystone pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nd-state-wire-ne-state-wire-us-news-mo-state-wire-sd-state-wire-d3f301c4e5014981949be28fae8e15d7">leaked an estimated 383,000 gallons</a>&nbsp;(1.4 million liters) of oil in eastern North Dakota, damaging about five acres.There was a brief surge in oil prices midday Thursday as word of the spill in Kansas began to spread, with the cost for a barrel of oil for near-term contracts rising by nearly 5%, and above the cost of oil contracts further into the future. That typically suggests there is anxiety in the market over immediate supply.“It’s something to keep an eye on, but not necessarily an immediate impact for now,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which tracks gasoline prices. “It could eventually impact oil supplies to refiners, which could be severe if it lasts more than a few days.”Past Keystone spills have led to outages that lasted about two weeks, but this outage could possibly be longer because it involves a body of water, said analysts at RBC Capital Markets in a note to investors. Depending on the spill’s location, it’s possible that a portion of the pipeline could restart sooner, they said.“Much of the oil through Keystone gets exported, so we expect little to no impact on domestic gasoline prices,” said Andrew Gross, spokesman for AAA. “Any spike in reaction will likely subside quickly as other news takes over.”Randy Hubbard, the Washington County Emergency Management coordinator, said there had been no evacuations because the break happened in a rural area in the middle of a pasture. He didn’t know the name of the creek or what body of water it flows into.He said the pipeline operator hasn’t disclosed how much oil was discharged and that it could take a day and a half to get that data.He said he hadn’t been to the site but is supporting investigators with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.Keystone said in its statement: “Our primary focus right now is the health and safety of onsite staff and personnel, the surrounding community, and mitigating risk to the environment through the deployment of booms downstream as we work to contain and prevent further migration of the release.”The Kansas department's spokesman, Matt Lara, said it was sending a team to the site but had no information. The EPA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment and officials with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration didn’t immediately respond to questions about the oil spill Thursday.“Everyone is in their fact-finding process,” Hubbard said.-------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An oil spill in a creek in northeastern Kansas shut down a major pipeline that carries oil from Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast, briefly causing oil prices to rise on Thursday.Canada-based TC Energy said it shut down its Keystone system Wednesday night following a drop in pipeline pressure. It said oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles northwest of Kansas City.The company said in a news release that the pipeline segment where the spill occurred had been “isolated” and that the company was using booms, or barriers, to keep the spilled oil from moving downstream. It didn't say how much oil was spilled or what caused the spill.There was a brief surge in oil prices midday Thursday as word of the spill began to spread, with the cost for a barrel of oil for near-term contracts rising by nearly 5%, and above the cost of oil contracts further into the future. That typically suggests there is anxiety in the market over immediate supply.“It’s something to keep an eye on, but not necessarily an immediate impact for now,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which tracks gasoline prices. “It could eventually impact oil supplies to refiners, which could be severe if it lasts more than a few days.”Past Keystone spills have led to outages that lasted about two weeks, but this outage could possibly be longer because it involves a body of water, said analysts at RBC Capital Markets in a note to investors. Depending on the spill’s location, it’s possible that a portion of the pipeline could restart sooner, they said.“Much of the oil through Keystone gets exported, so we expect little to no impact on domestic gasoline prices,” said Andrew Gross, spokesman for AAA. “Any spike in reaction will likely subside quickly as other news takes over.”Randy Hubbard, the Washington County Emergency Management coordinator, said there had been no evacuations because the break happened in a rural area in the middle of a pasture. He didn’t know the name of the creek or what body of water it flows into.He said the pipeline operator hasn’t disclosed how much oil was discharged and that it could take a day and a half to get that data.He said he hadn’t been to the site but is supporting investigators with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.The Kansas department's spokesman, Matt Lara, said it was sending a team to the site but had no information. The EPA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment and officials with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration didn’t immediately respond to questions about the oil spill Thursday.“Everyone is in their fact-finding process,” Hubbard said.The Keystone pipeline&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nd-state-wire-ne-state-wire-us-news-mo-state-wire-sd-state-wire-d3f301c4e5014981949be28fae8e15d7">in 2019 leaked</a>&nbsp;an estimated 383,000 gallons (1.4 million liters) of oil in eastern North Dakota, damaging about five acres.

Oil spill in rural Kansas creek shuts down pipeline

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House gave final approval Thursday to legislation protecting same-sex marriages, a monumental step in a decadeslong battle for nationwide recognition of such unions that reflects a stunning turnaround in societal attitudes.

(Click below to watch Speaker Pelosi and Members of the Equality Caucus, sign the Respect for Marriage Act.)

President Joe Biden is expected to promptly sign the measure, which requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages, a relief for hundreds of thousands of couples who have married since the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision that legalized those marriages nationwide.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-religion-gay-rights-marriage-clarence-thomas-2d09d9213472d04195c64d09644f124c">bipartisan legislation,</a>&nbsp;which passed 258-169 with almost 40 Republican votes, would also protect interracial unions by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.” Kansas 3rd District Congresswoman Sharice Davids was the only member of the Kansas House delegation to vote in favor of the bill.

After months of talks, the Senate passed the bill last week with 12 Republican votes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In debate ahead of the vote, several gay members of Congress talked about what it would mean for them and their families. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., said he was set to marry “the love of my life” next year and that it is “unthinkable” that his marriage might not be recognized in some states.

Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said he and his husband should be able to visit each other in the hospital just like any other married couple and receive spousal benefits “regardless of if your spouse’s name Samuel or Samantha.”

Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., said that the idea of marriage equality used to be a “far fetched idea, Now it’s the law of the land and supported by the vast majority of Americans.”

Democrats moved the bill quickly through the House and Senate after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court’s June decision that overturned the federal right to an abortion.</a>&nbsp;That ruling included a concurring opinion from Justice Clarence Thomas that suggested same-sex marriage should also be reconsidered.

The legislation lost some Republican support since July, when 47 Republicans voted for it — a robust and unexpected show of support that kick-started serious negotiations in the Senate. But most of those lawmakers held firm.

“To me this is really just standing with the Constitution,” said Republican Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri, who voted for it both times. She pushed back on GOP arguments that it would affect religious rights of those who don't believe in same sex marriage.

“No one’s religious. liberties are affected in any way, shape or form,” Wagner said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., presided over the vote as one of her last acts in leadership before stepping aside in January. She said the legislation "will ensure that “the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.”

The legislation would not require states to allow same-sex couples to marry, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision now does</a>. But it would require states to recognize all marriages that were legal where they were performed and it would protect current same-sex unions if the Obergefell decision were overturned.

While it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-oklahoma-couples-marriage-fd530c9c3042503f134d5e09af9afb8f">not everything</a>&nbsp;advocates may have wanted, passage of the legislation represents a watershed moment. Just a decade ago, many Republicans openly campaigned on blocking same-sex marriages; today more than two-thirds of the public support them.

Still, most Republicans opposed the legislation and some conservative advocacy groups lobbied aggressively against it in recent weeks, arguing that it doesn’t do enough to protect those who want to refuse services for same-sex couples.

“God’s perfect design is indeed marriage between one man and one woman for life,” said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va, ahead of the vote. “And it doesn’t matter what you think or what I think, that’s what the Bible says.”

Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., choked up as she begged colleagues to vote against the bill, which she said undermines “natural marriage” between a man and a woman.

“I’ll tell you my priorities,” Hartzler said. “Protect religious liberty, protect people of faith and protect Americans who believe in the true meaning of marriage.”

Democrats in the Senate, led by Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin and Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema, tried to address those GOP concerns by negotiating an amendment that would clarify that the legislation does not affect the rights of private individuals or businesses that are already enshrined in current law. The amended bill would also make clear that a marriage is between two people, an effort to ward off some far-right criticism that the legislation could endorse polygamy.

In the end, several religious groups, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-relationships-gay-rights-utah-07847f4b7e3e96d81c10a298a199b860">came out</a>&nbsp;in support of the bill. The Mormon church said it would support rights for same-sex couples as long as they didn’t infringe upon religious groups’ right to believe as they choose.

Thursday's vote came as the LGBTQ community has faced violent attacks, such as the shooting earlier this month at a gay nightclub in Colorado that killed five people and injured at least 17.

“We have been through a lot,” said Kelley Robinson, the incoming president of the advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. But Robinson says the votes show “in such an important way” that the country values LBGTQ people.

“We are part of the full story of what it means to be an American,” said Robinson, who was inside the Senate chamber for last week’s vote with her wife and young son. “It really speaks to them validating our love.”

The vote was personal for many senators, too. The day the bill passed their chamber, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was wearing the tie he wore at his daughter’s wedding to another woman. He recalled that day as “one of the happiest moments of my life.”

Baldwin, the first openly gay senator who has been working on gay rights issues for almost four decades, tearfully hugged Schumer as the final vote was underway. She tweeted thanks to the same-sex and interracial couples who she said made the moment possible.

“By living as your true selves, you changed the hearts and minds of people around you,” she wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670518871901.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Chuck Schumer celebrate passage of HR 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act." />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Chuck Schumer celebrate passage of HR 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House gave final approval Thursday to legislation protecting same-sex marriages, a monumental step in a decadeslong battle for nationwide recognition of such unions that reflects a stunning turnaround in societal attitudes.(Click below to watch Speaker Pelosi and Members of the Equality Caucus, sign the Respect for Marriage Act.)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNancyPelosi%2Fvideos%2F1336075067163768%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=126" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>President Joe Biden is expected to promptly sign the measure, which requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages, a relief for hundreds of thousands of couples who have married since the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision that legalized those marriages nationwide.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-religion-gay-rights-marriage-clarence-thomas-2d09d9213472d04195c64d09644f124c">bipartisan legislation,</a>&nbsp;which passed 258-169 with almost 40 Republican votes, would also protect interracial unions by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.” Kansas 3rd District Congresswoman Sharice Davids was the only member of the Kansas House delegation to vote in favor of the bill.After months of talks, the Senate passed the bill last week with 12 Republican votes.&nbsp;&nbsp;In debate ahead of the vote, several gay members of Congress talked about what it would mean for them and their families. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., said he was set to marry “the love of my life” next year and that it is “unthinkable” that his marriage might not be recognized in some states.Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said he and his husband should be able to visit each other in the hospital just like any other married couple and receive spousal benefits “regardless of if your spouse’s name Samuel or Samantha.”Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., said that the idea of marriage equality used to be a “far fetched idea, Now it’s the law of the land and supported by the vast majority of Americans.”Democrats moved the bill quickly through the House and Senate after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court’s June decision that overturned the federal right to an abortion.</a>&nbsp;That ruling included a concurring opinion from Justice Clarence Thomas that suggested same-sex marriage should also be reconsidered.The legislation lost some Republican support since July, when 47 Republicans voted for it — a robust and unexpected show of support that kick-started serious negotiations in the Senate. But most of those lawmakers held firm.“To me this is really just standing with the Constitution,” said Republican Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri, who voted for it both times. She pushed back on GOP arguments that it would affect religious rights of those who don't believe in same sex marriage.“No one’s religious. liberties are affected in any way, shape or form,” Wagner said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670513089801.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the legislation "will ensure that “the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.”-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the legislation "will ensure that “the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.”-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., presided over the vote as one of her last acts in leadership before stepping aside in January. She said the legislation "will ensure that “the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.”The legislation would not require states to allow same-sex couples to marry, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision now does</a>. But it would require states to recognize all marriages that were legal where they were performed and it would protect current same-sex unions if the Obergefell decision were overturned.While it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-oklahoma-couples-marriage-fd530c9c3042503f134d5e09af9afb8f">not everything</a>&nbsp;advocates may have wanted, passage of the legislation represents a watershed moment. Just a decade ago, many Republicans openly campaigned on blocking same-sex marriages; today more than two-thirds of the public support them.Still, most Republicans opposed the legislation and some conservative advocacy groups lobbied aggressively against it in recent weeks, arguing that it doesn’t do enough to protect those who want to refuse services for same-sex couples.“God’s perfect design is indeed marriage between one man and one woman for life,” said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va, ahead of the vote. “And it doesn’t matter what you think or what I think, that’s what the Bible says.”Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., choked up as she begged colleagues to vote against the bill, which she said undermines “natural marriage” between a man and a woman.“I’ll tell you my priorities,” Hartzler said. “Protect religious liberty, protect people of faith and protect Americans who believe in the true meaning of marriage.”Democrats in the Senate, led by Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin and Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema, tried to address those GOP concerns by negotiating an amendment that would clarify that the legislation does not affect the rights of private individuals or businesses that are already enshrined in current law. The amended bill would also make clear that a marriage is between two people, an effort to ward off some far-right criticism that the legislation could endorse polygamy.In the end, several religious groups, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-relationships-gay-rights-utah-07847f4b7e3e96d81c10a298a199b860">came out</a>&nbsp;in support of the bill. The Mormon church said it would support rights for same-sex couples as long as they didn’t infringe upon religious groups’ right to believe as they choose.Thursday's vote came as the LGBTQ community has faced violent attacks, such as the shooting earlier this month at a gay nightclub in Colorado that killed five people and injured at least 17.“We have been through a lot,” said Kelley Robinson, the incoming president of the advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. But Robinson says the votes show “in such an important way” that the country values LBGTQ people.“We are part of the full story of what it means to be an American,” said Robinson, who was inside the Senate chamber for last week’s vote with her wife and young son. “It really speaks to them validating our love.”The vote was personal for many senators, too. The day the bill passed their chamber, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was wearing the tie he wore at his daughter’s wedding to another woman. He recalled that day as “one of the happiest moments of my life.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PASSED: H.R. 8404 The Respect for Marriage Act 🏳️‍🌈 This is the first major LGBTQ+ civil rights bill to pass Congress in a decade. This bipartisan legislation provides crucial safeguards for same-sex &amp; interracial couples.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveWins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoveWins</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y0fZoLJgLb">pic.twitter.com/Y0fZoLJgLb</a>&mdash; LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus (@LGBTEqCaucus) <a href="https://twitter.com/LGBTEqCaucus/status/1600889118845997057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Baldwin, the first openly gay senator who has been working on gay rights issues for almost four decades, tearfully hugged Schumer as the final vote was underway. She tweeted thanks to the same-sex and interracial couples who she said made the moment possible.“By living as your true selves, you changed the hearts and minds of people around you,” she wrote.

🎥Bill protecting same-sex marriage going to Biden for his signature

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A 21-year-old Mexican citizen will serve a year in prison for a drunk driving crash that killed a 56-year-old Schoenchen man in October 2021.

After pleading guilty to vehicular homicide in September, Martin Efren Velazquez Cruz was sentenced Tuesday in Ellis County District Court to one year in prison.

Cruz was initially charged with six different counts in connection to the Oct. 3, 2021, crash south of Hays.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Cruz was traveling southbound on U.S. 183 and tried to pass another vehicle. He collided head-on with a northbound passenger car driven by 56-year-old James Kohl of Schoenchen.

Cruz was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, “under the legal limit of .08 but to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely driving the vehicle.”

He was also charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, speeding, passing on left with insufficient clearance and display or possess fictitious or fraudulent ID card.

As a result of Cruz pleading guilty to vehicular homicide and entering into a diversion into the driving under the influence charge, the four other charges were dismissed by the state.

In Kansas, vehicular homicide is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison.

Cruz will also be required to pay restitution covering Kohl’s funeral costs and the cost of his car

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633447475823.jpeg" alt="James Kohl courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>James Kohl courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA 21-year-old Mexican citizen will serve a year in prison for a drunk driving crash that killed a 56-year-old Schoenchen man in October 2021.After pleading guilty to vehicular homicide in September, Martin Efren Velazquez Cruz was sentenced Tuesday in Ellis County District Court to one year in prison.Cruz was initially charged with six different counts in connection to the Oct. 3, 2021, crash south of Hays.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Cruz was traveling southbound on U.S. 183 and tried to pass another vehicle. He collided head-on with a northbound passenger car driven by 56-year-old James Kohl of Schoenchen.Kohl was killed in the accident.Cruz was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, “under the legal limit of .08 but to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely driving the vehicle.”He was also charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, speeding, passing on left with insufficient clearance and display or possess fictitious or fraudulent ID card.As a result of Cruz pleading guilty to vehicular homicide and entering into a diversion into the driving under the influence charge, the four other charges were dismissed by the state.In Kansas, vehicular homicide is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison.Cruz will also be required to pay restitution covering Kohl’s funeral costs and the cost of his car

Mexican man sentenced for DUI crash that killed Kansas man

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a house fire Wednesday in Topeka.

Just after 7p.m., crews responded to a house fire at 429 NE Forest Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp;One adult man and a dog were able to escape from the single-story residence prior to the fire departments arrival. 

American Medical Response transported the man to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries sustained in the fire.&nbsp; Thee were no other occupants.

After a preliminary investigation the fire cause remains accidental. The origin of the fire was determined to have been in the garage, according to Stahl. One man and one dog were displaced as a result of this fire. The total damage is estimated to be $60,000, with 40,000 associated with structural loss and $20,000 associated with content loss. Fire crews did not find working smoke detectors in the home.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a house fire Wednesday in Topeka.Just after 7p.m., crews responded to a house fire at 429 NE Forest Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp;One adult man and a dog were able to escape from the single-story residence prior to the fire departments arrival. American Medical Response transported the man to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries sustained in the fire.&nbsp; Thee were no other occupants.After a preliminary investigation the fire cause remains accidental. The origin of the fire was determined to have been in the garage, according to Stahl. One man and one dog were displaced as a result of this fire. The total damage is estimated to be $60,000, with 40,000 associated with structural loss and $20,000 associated with content loss. Fire crews did not find working smoke detectors in the home.

Kansas man hospitalized after house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, the White House said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.

Click below watch the statement from the President and Cherelle Griner.

“She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home," Biden said from the White House, where he was accompanied by Griner's wife, Cherelle, and administration officials.

The deal, the second such exchange in eight months with Russia, procured the release of the most prominent American detained abroad. Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist whose monthslong imprisonment on drug charges brought unprecedented attention to the population of wrongful detainees.

Biden's authorization to release a Russian felon once nicknamed “the Merchant of Death" underscored the escalating pressure that his administration faced to get Griner home, particularly after the recent resolution of her criminal case and her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=brittney+griner+apnews+penal+colony&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=brittney+griner+apnews+penal+colony&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160j33i299l2.4982j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">subsequent transfer to a penal colony.</a>

The Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the swap, saying in a statement carried by Russian news agencies that the exchange took place in Abu-Dhabi and that Bout has been flown home

Russian and U.S. officials had conveyed cautious optimism in recent weeks after months of strained negotiations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=biden+apnews+hopeful+griner&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;sxsrf=ALiCzsaPtI5zlZPVtSI7pfSj2KywAlWLRA%3A1670495004369&amp;ei=HLuRY5eNFoShptQPpPmByA4&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiXi9bq5un7AhWEkIkEHaR8AOkQ4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=biden+apnews+hopeful+griner&amp;gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzoKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzoFCCEQoAE6BQghEKsCSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAULkDWOIIYLcJaAFwAXgAgAFqiAHMBJIBAzYuMZgBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp">with Biden saying in November</a>&nbsp;that he was hopeful that Russia would engage in a deal now that the midterm elections were completed. A top Russian official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-moscow-paul-whelan-1606112a3e89f85be2deecc0e476d333">said last week</a>&nbsp;that a deal was possible before year's end.

Even so, the fact that the deal was a one-for-one swap was a surprise given that U.S. officials had for months expressed their their determination to bring home both Griner and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-whelan">Paul Whelan,</a>&nbsp;a Michigan corporate security executive jailed in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government has said are baseless.

“We’ve not forgotten about Paul Whelan,” Biden said. “We will keep negotiating in good faith for Paul’s release.”

Whelan's brother David said in a statement he was “so glad” for Griner's release but also disappointed for his family. He credited the White House with giving the Whelan family advance notice and said he did not fault officials for making the deal.

“The Biden Administration made the right decision to bring Ms. Griner home, and to make the deal that was possible, rather than waiting for one that wasn’t going to happen,” he said.

In releasing Bout, the U.S. freed a a former Soviet Army lieutenant colonel whom the Justice Department once described as one of the world's most prolific arms dealers. Bout, whose exploits inspired a Hollywood movie, was serving a 25-year sentence on charges that he conspired to sell tens of millions of dollars in weapons that U.S officials said were to be used against Americans.

The Biden administration was ultimately willing to exchange Bout if it meant Griner's freedom. The detention of one of the greatest players in WNBA history contributed to a swirl of unprecedented public attention for an individual detainee case — not to mention intense pressure on the White House.

Griner’s arrest in February made her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-europe-basketball-arrests-c8796efac2149da8d097b7fce98b6332">the most high-profile American jailed abroad</a>. Her status as an openly gay Black woman, locked up in a country where authorities have been hostile to the LBGTQ community, infused racial, gender and social dynamics into her legal saga and made each development a matter of international importance.

Her case not only brought unprecedented publicity to the dozens of Americans wrongfully detained by foreign governments, but it also emerged as a major inflection point in U.S.-Russia diplomacy at a time of deteriorating relations prompted by Moscow’s war against Ukraine.

The exchange was carried out despite deteriorating relations between the powers. But the imprisonment of Americans produced a rare diplomatic opening, yielding the highest-level known contact between Washington and Moscow —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-antony-blinken-sergey-lavrov-paul-whelan-54d694915c7c6c7222d2bb8893f93b04">a phone call between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov</a>&nbsp;— in more than five months.

In an extraordinary move during otherwise secret negotiations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=substantial+proposal+blinken+apnews+eric+tucker&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=substantial+proposal+blinken+apnews+eric+tucker&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57.5839j1j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Blinken revealed publicly</a>&nbsp;in July that the U.S. had made a “substantial proposal” to Russia for Griner and Whelan. Though he did not specify the terms, people familiar with it said the U.S. had offered Bout.

Such a public overture drew a chiding rebuke from the Russians, who said they preferred to resolve such cases in private, and carried the risk of weakening the U.S. government's negotiating hand for this and future deals by making the administration appear too desperate. But the announcement was also meant to communicate to the public that Biden was doing what he could and to ensure pressure on the Russians.

Besides the efforts of U.S. officials, the release also followed months of back channel negotiations involving Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage talks, and his top deputy, Mickey Bergman.

Griner was arrested at the Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February when customs officials said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-trial-live-updates-bc4c1d9efd490eed0eb522c8c59e9197">She pleaded guilty in July</a>, though still faced trial because admitting guilt in Russia's judicial system does not automatically end a case.

She acknowledged in court that she possessed the canisters, but said she had no criminal intent and said their presence in her luggage was due to hasty packing.

<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=griner+sentenced+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=griner+sentenced+apnews+&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l4.3326j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Before being sentenced on Aug. 4</a>&nbsp;and receiving a punishment her lawyers said was out of line for the offense, an emotional Griner apologized "for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them.” She added: “I hope in your ruling it does not end my life.”

Her supporters had largely stayed quiet for weeks after her arrest, but that approach changed in May once the State Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-business-phoenix-mercury-united-states-b6aaaeee14b825bd247e2d853a9d708c">designated her as unlawfully detained</a>. A separate trade, Marine veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-united-states-prisoner-exchange-8fd1e58e690350019c7aab55af41bbbf">Trevor Reed for Konstantin Yaroshenko</a>, a Russian pilot convicted in the U.S. in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, spurred hope that additional such exchanges could be in the works.

Whelan has been held in Russia since December 2018. The U.S. government also classified him as wrongfully detained. He was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison.

Whelan was not included in the Reed prisoner swap, escalating pressure on the Biden administration to ensure that any deal that brought home Griner also included him.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia freed WNBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner">Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=viktor+bout+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=viktor+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j46i433i512l2j0i433i512j0i131i433i512l2j46i433i512j0i433i512l2.1068j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Viktor Bout</a>, American and Russian officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.

The swap was confirmed by U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations who were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal before a White House announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity. Biden spoke with Griner on the phone Thursday while her wife, Cherelle, was in the Oval Office. The president was to address reporters later in the morning.

“Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner. She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home,” Biden tweeted.

Besides the efforts of U.S. officials, the release also followed months of backchannel negotiations involving Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage talks, and his top deputy Mickey Bergman. The men had made multiple trips abroad in the last year to discuss swap scenarios with Russian contacts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia freed WNBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner">Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=viktor+bout+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=viktor+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j46i433i512l2j0i433i512j0i131i433i512l2j46i433i512j0i433i512l2.1068j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Viktor Bout</a>, American officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.

The swap was confirmed by U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations who were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal before a White House announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity.

🎥Griner for arms dealer: WNBA star freed in US-Russia prisoner swap

JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating after a dog was involved in an incident in Overland Park have located the animal.

Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, a man and his dog were bitten by a dog described as an adult black/grey pit bull terrier, according to a media release from police. The incident occurred on the south side of the Stonepost Crossing Apartments,&nbsp;12800 W. 134th Place in Overland Park.

The man and his dog suffered minor injuries. The pit bull owner is described as a man in his early 20s. The man was walking a second dog described as a black and brown Yorkie.

On Thursday afternoon, police thanked the public for helping them locate the dog.

JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating and asking the public for help to locate a dog involved in an incident in Overland Park.&nbsp;

Anyone with information is asked to contact Overland Park Police.

JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating after a dog was involved in an incident in Overland Park have located the animal.Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, a man and his dog were bitten by a dog described as an adult black/grey pit bull terrier, according to a media release from police. The incident occurred on the south side of the Stonepost Crossing Apartments,&nbsp;12800 W. 134th Place in Overland Park.The man and his dog suffered minor injuries. The pit bull owner is described as a man in his early 20s. The man was walking a second dog described as a black and brown Yorkie.On Thursday afternoon, police thanked the public for helping them locate the dog.-------JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating and asking the public for help to locate a dog involved in an incident in Overland Park.&nbsp;Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, a man and his dog were bitten by a dog described as an adult black/grey pit bull terrier, according to a media release from police. The incident occurred on the south side of the Stonepost Crossing Apartments,&nbsp;12800 W. 134th Place in Overland Park.The man and his dog suffered minor injuries. The pit bull owner is described as a man in his early 20s. The man was walking a second dog described as a black and brown Yorkie.Anyone with information is asked to contact Overland Park Police.

Update: Overland Park Police locate pit bull that bit Kan. man & his dog

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 3a.m. Wednesday police were dispatched to a shooting at Truman Road and Paseo in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Foreman.

&nbsp;Upon arrival they found a 27-year-old Joshua R. Williams outside of the convenience store. He had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers began CPR. EMS responded and pronounced the him deceased. 

Police have not released any suspect information.

Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and actively canvassed for witnesses and processed the scene for evidence.&nbsp; With the fatal shooting of a woman in her home on Tuesday night, the <a href="https://www.kcpd.org/media/4370/12622-daily-homicide-analysis.pdf">2022 homicide total</a> in Kansas City is 162.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670453128250.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 3a.m. Wednesday police were dispatched to a shooting at Truman Road and Paseo in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Foreman.&nbsp;Upon arrival they found a 27-year-old Joshua R. Williams outside of the convenience store. He had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers began CPR. EMS responded and pronounced the him deceased. Police have not released any suspect information.Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and actively canvassed for witnesses and processed the scene for evidence.&nbsp; With the fatal shooting of a woman in her home on Tuesday night, the <a href="https://www.kcpd.org/media/4370/12622-daily-homicide-analysis.pdf">2022 homicide total</a> in Kansas City is 162.

Police ID victim in KC convenience store killing

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-congressman-introduces-bill-to-block-federal-listing-of-lesser-prairie-chicken/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Ron Estes of 
Kansas introduced legislation to prohibit the U.S. Interior Department 
from imposing restraints on land use through designation of the lesser 
prairie chicken as threatened or endangered.

In November, federal wildlife officials registered the lesser prairie
 chicken as threatened in Kansas and endangered in their habitat in the 
southwest United States. The birds can be found in regions of Kansas, 
Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Federal listings influence grazing and 
drilling practices.

Estes, a Republican who represents the Wichita region in Congress, 
said the House measure introduced Wednesday would require the interior 
secretary to delist the lesser prairie chicken within 60 days of the 
bill becoming law. His bill would affirm rights of ranchers and energy 
producers to control land relied on by the birds.

“Its inclusion on the threatened and endangered species list is 
detrimental to our robust ag and energy industries, blatant bureaucratic
 overreach and is another example of the Biden administration hindering 
American energy independence,” Estes said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision was based on an 
assessment indicating 90% of habitat for the birds had vanished. The 
agency said the population stood at about 32,000 based on averages drawn
 from aerial surveys of a five-state region from 2012 to 2022.

The agency determined voluntary conservation efforts helped conserve 
habitat for the lesser prairie chicken, but hadn’t demonstrated an 
ability to reverse trends of habitat loss and fragmentation influencing 
the bird’s to thrive.

However, Estes said the federal agency’s decision was “nonfactual” 
and disregarded voluntary public-private preservation efforts directed 
by people best capable of being stewards of the land. He said his bill 
would stop “Washington elites from undermining voluntary public-private 
conservation practices and ensures Kansans control our land.”

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and U.S. Rep. Tracy Mann, 
all Kansas Republicans, were critical of the USFWS’ decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670508657809.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kansas, introduced a bill challenging federal restraint of ranch and energy producers in Kansas following federal listing of the Listing lesser prairie chicken as threatened in Kansas. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of U.S. House channel)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kansas, introduced a bill challenging federal restraint of ranch and energy producers in Kansas following federal listing of the Listing lesser prairie chicken as threatened in Kansas. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of U.S. House channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-congressman-introduces-bill-to-block-federal-listing-of-lesser-prairie-chicken/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Ron Estes of 
Kansas introduced legislation to prohibit the U.S. Interior Department 
from imposing restraints on land use through designation of the lesser 
prairie chicken as threatened or endangered.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansas Energy producers and ranchers have taken proactive measures to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken&#39;s habitat. Today, I introduced legislation that stops Washington from undermining voluntary conservation practices and ensures Kansans control our land. <a href="https://t.co/SHKZwIQHrT">pic.twitter.com/SHKZwIQHrT</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1600619921314127872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In November, federal wildlife officials registered the lesser prairie
 chicken as threatened in Kansas and endangered in their habitat in the 
southwest United States. The birds can be found in regions of Kansas, 
Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Federal listings influence grazing and 
drilling practices.Estes, a Republican who represents the Wichita region in Congress, 
said the House measure introduced Wednesday would require the interior 
secretary to delist the lesser prairie chicken within 60 days of the 
bill becoming law. His bill would affirm rights of ranchers and energy 
producers to control land relied on by the birds.“Its inclusion on the threatened and endangered species list is 
detrimental to our robust ag and energy industries, blatant bureaucratic
 overreach and is another example of the Biden administration hindering 
American energy independence,” Estes said.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision was based on an 
assessment indicating 90% of habitat for the birds had vanished. The 
agency said the population stood at about 32,000 based on averages drawn
 from aerial surveys of a five-state region from 2012 to 2022.The agency determined voluntary conservation efforts helped conserve 
habitat for the lesser prairie chicken, but hadn’t demonstrated an 
ability to reverse trends of habitat loss and fragmentation influencing 
the bird’s to thrive.However, Estes said the federal agency’s decision was “nonfactual” 
and disregarded voluntary public-private preservation efforts directed 
by people best capable of being stewards of the land. He said his bill 
would stop “Washington elites from undermining voluntary public-private 
conservation practices and ensures Kansans control our land.”U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and U.S. Rep. Tracy Mann, 
all Kansas Republicans, were critical of the USFWS’ decision.

🎥Kan. rep introduces bill to block federal listing of lesser prairie chicken

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — As of Thursday, it's lawful for adults to possess and use marijuana in Missouri. That doesn't mean you can legally buy it just yet, or use it everywhere.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/82a662ba82bb4c8c9c858b7565ff7f95">Medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;has been legal in the state since a ballot measure passed in 2018, but voters went a step further this November by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-legalization-2022-midterm-elections-c693f5e23e0faf2f39168df6a2f80ab2">approving a constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;legalizing the drug for anyone 21 or older. The new law makes Missouri the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-missouri-marijuana-government-and-politics-9e980221d47993b409629088ad1768bd">21st state to allow recreational use</a>.

The change comes with some confusion. For one thing, dispensaries can't yet sell for recreational use. People will eventually be able to grow their own, but applications to do so won't be taken until next month. And places such as schools and businesses can still prohibit the drug.

John Mueller, co-founder of Greenlight Dispensaries, said the company's 15 Missouri shops are getting calls from people confused about the new law and why they can't yet buy it from the dispensaries.

“I think everybody’s anxious and excited about adult use,” said Mueller, whose company plans to add 300 jobs at cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary locations for the expected uptick in business. “Every dollar we sell is a dollar that doesn’t go to the black market.”

Recreational users are also calling and emailing the Missouri Wild Alchemy dispensary in O’Fallon, owner Jason Crady said — “24-7.”

“There’s a lot of buzz about it," said Crady, who is busy hiring and training staff in preparation for recreational sales.

Existing medical dispensaries will eventually be allowed to sell to recreational users, but the agency hasn't determined when that will be. John Payne, a leader of the campaign to legalize marijuana, said recreational sales will likely begin in February.

The state is expected to issue an additional 144 dispensary licenses by early 2025.

Spokeswoman Lisa Cox of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which regulates marijuana, said personal cultivation application forms will be available Jan. 7 for people who want to grow a limited amount of their own.

Some places will continue to prohibit lighting up. Among them: the four campuses of the University of Missouri System. The system cited two federal laws — the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act — on Wednesday in announcing a continued prohibition of marijuana on campuses and at university-sponsored events. Student violators could face discipline up to expulsion.

Legalization is concerning for some in law enforcement who worry it will mean more impaired drivers.

Kevin Merritt, executive director of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association, said marijuana impairment is more difficult for police to assess because there is nothing comparable to blood-alcohol tests that determine intoxication levels in people who have been drinking.

“Basically, what do they (officers) observe of the vehicle operation?" Merritt said. “What did the officer smell and observe when they got up to the car? What kind of movements, or impaired movements, did he or she see in the operation of the vehicle to make a case that the person is impaired?"

The amendment also requires expungement of criminal records for most people incarcerated or on probation for a misdemeanor marijuana offense, a process expected to be completed by mid-2023.

It's part of a broader move toward decriminalizing low-level marijuana crimes that has gained steam in recent years.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">President Joe Biden announced in October</a>&nbsp;that he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession under federal law. Kansas City and St. Louis are among jurisdictions that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6f09ce3e02c7498d90a97dcd14282517">stopped prosecuting misdemeanor possession</a>.

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — As of Thursday, it's lawful for adults to possess and use marijuana in Missouri. That doesn't mean you can legally buy it just yet, or use it everywhere.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/82a662ba82bb4c8c9c858b7565ff7f95">Medical marijuana</a>&nbsp;has been legal in the state since a ballot measure passed in 2018, but voters went a step further this November by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-legalization-2022-midterm-elections-c693f5e23e0faf2f39168df6a2f80ab2">approving a constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;legalizing the drug for anyone 21 or older. The new law makes Missouri the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-health-missouri-marijuana-government-and-politics-9e980221d47993b409629088ad1768bd">21st state to allow recreational use</a>.The change comes with some confusion. For one thing, dispensaries can't yet sell for recreational use. People will eventually be able to grow their own, but applications to do so won't be taken until next month. And places such as schools and businesses can still prohibit the drug.John Mueller, co-founder of Greenlight Dispensaries, said the company's 15 Missouri shops are getting calls from people confused about the new law and why they can't yet buy it from the dispensaries.“I think everybody’s anxious and excited about adult use,” said Mueller, whose company plans to add 300 jobs at cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary locations for the expected uptick in business. “Every dollar we sell is a dollar that doesn’t go to the black market.”Recreational users are also calling and emailing the Missouri Wild Alchemy dispensary in O’Fallon, owner Jason Crady said — “24-7.”“There’s a lot of buzz about it," said Crady, who is busy hiring and training staff in preparation for recreational sales.Existing medical dispensaries will eventually be allowed to sell to recreational users, but the agency hasn't determined when that will be. John Payne, a leader of the campaign to legalize marijuana, said recreational sales will likely begin in February.The state is expected to issue an additional 144 dispensary licenses by early 2025.Spokeswoman Lisa Cox of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which regulates marijuana, said personal cultivation application forms will be available Jan. 7 for people who want to grow a limited amount of their own.Some places will continue to prohibit lighting up. Among them: the four campuses of the University of Missouri System. The system cited two federal laws — the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act — on Wednesday in announcing a continued prohibition of marijuana on campuses and at university-sponsored events. Student violators could face discipline up to expulsion.Legalization is concerning for some in law enforcement who worry it will mean more impaired drivers.Kevin Merritt, executive director of the Missouri Sheriffs' Association, said marijuana impairment is more difficult for police to assess because there is nothing comparable to blood-alcohol tests that determine intoxication levels in people who have been drinking.“Basically, what do they (officers) observe of the vehicle operation?" Merritt said. “What did the officer smell and observe when they got up to the car? What kind of movements, or impaired movements, did he or she see in the operation of the vehicle to make a case that the person is impaired?"The amendment also requires expungement of criminal records for most people incarcerated or on probation for a misdemeanor marijuana offense, a process expected to be completed by mid-2023.It's part of a broader move toward decriminalizing low-level marijuana crimes that has gained steam in recent years.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">President Joe Biden announced in October</a>&nbsp;that he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession under federal law. Kansas City and St. Louis are among jurisdictions that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6f09ce3e02c7498d90a97dcd14282517">stopped prosecuting misdemeanor possession</a>.Dispensaries in Missouri are expecting to see lots of out-of-state buyers. Missouri is bordered by eight states, only one of which — Illinois — allows recreational marijuana sales.Payne projects that once the program is fully up and running, Missouri will see annual sales of up to $1.3 billion.Ron Burch, 36, of the southwestern Missouri town of Joplin, already has a medical marijuana card. He knows demand will be strong for recreational pot.“Looking forward to February, it’s going to be a mad rush to fill all the shelves for the people that are going to be pounding down the doors to buy product,” Burch said.Larry Stiffelman, who owns a medical dispensary in the eastern Missouri town of St. Clair, said recreational sales will be vital since, due to high taxation, his business is still struggling to make a profit.“I can tell you that the sales will probably triple or quadruple per store,” Stiffelman said. “So it’s huge as far as the volume of business.”