WASHINGTON —The Senate has acquitted President Donald Trump of impeachment charges, ending the third presidential trial in American history with votes that split the country and tested civic norms.&nbsp;

As expected, both U.S. Senators from Kansas voted to acquit.&nbsp;

Senator Jerry Moran released a longer statement following the conclusion of the impeachment trial.

“When I took the oath at the beginning of this trial, I vowed to deliver impartial justice according to the Constitution and the law. I took this oath and responsibility seriously and chose not to comment until I heard arguments from both the House managers and President Trump’s lawyers. After hearing from both sides and asking multiple questions, I voted no on conviction and removal of the president.

“First, in order to avoid a system of government where the president serves at the political pleasure of Congress, the Framers intended impeachment and removal to be reserved for extreme and rare situations. The alleged facts contained in the articles and presented by the impeachment managers do not rise to this level.

“Second, the House failed in its prosecutorial role by not presenting specific statutory charges against the president. Our Constitution demands of the justice system that prosecutors bring specific charges and prove each element of those charges beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case, neither of the articles passed by the House contain statutory allegations to which the Senate could determine whether the elements for conviction were met. On the floor, the House managers argued that the statutory crime of bribery was contained in the first Article of Impeachment related to abuse of power. In addition to the fact that there is no evidence in the record that satisfies the statutory elements of bribery, the Senate cannot substitute its own charges or charges made by House managers on the floor for those contained within the four corners of the House-passed Articles of Impeachment.

“Third, the House failed to meet its evidentiary burden and attempted to shift that burden to the Senate. Unwilling to give the judicial system the time to answer important questions of privilege in regards to specific witnesses that the House managers claimed were key to the case, the House moved forward with impeachment. The House managers argued at the beginning of the trial that they had overwhelming evidence supporting impeachment. It was surprising then that the House managers attempted to burden the Senate with issuing subpoenas and taking testimony from those witnesses that the House failed to pursue. Regardless, additional evidence or witnesses would not change the material underlying facts describing the president’s actions. These actions are not ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’ as described by the Constitution, and therefore, I voted no on conviction and removal of the president.”

Kansas 3rd District Rep. Sharice Davids did not release a statement following the end of the trial.

Kansas 2nd District Congressman Steve Watkins retweeted a statement from House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579202779062.png" alt="Kansas Senator Jerry Moran signs the oath book&nbsp; at the opening of the impeachment trial -image courtesy CSPAN " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Jerry Moran signs the oath book&nbsp; at the opening of the impeachment trial -image courtesy CSPAN </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Senate has acquitted President Donald Trump of impeachment charges, ending the third presidential trial in American history with votes that split the country and tested civic norms.&nbsp;As expected, both U.S. Senators from Kansas voted to acquit.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just voted to acquit <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. It&#39;s time the entire Congress get back to the important work of the people.&mdash; Senator Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenPatRoberts/status/1225174416293711873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Senator Jerry Moran released a longer statement following the conclusion of the impeachment trial.“When I took the oath at the beginning of this trial, I vowed to deliver impartial justice according to the Constitution and the law. I took this oath and responsibility seriously and chose not to comment until I heard arguments from both the House managers and President Trump’s lawyers. After hearing from both sides and asking multiple questions, I voted no on conviction and removal of the president.“First, in order to avoid a system of government where the president serves at the political pleasure of Congress, the Framers intended impeachment and removal to be reserved for extreme and rare situations. The alleged facts contained in the articles and presented by the impeachment managers do not rise to this level.“Second, the House failed in its prosecutorial role by not presenting specific statutory charges against the president. Our Constitution demands of the justice system that prosecutors bring specific charges and prove each element of those charges beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case, neither of the articles passed by the House contain statutory allegations to which the Senate could determine whether the elements for conviction were met. On the floor, the House managers argued that the statutory crime of bribery was contained in the first Article of Impeachment related to abuse of power. In addition to the fact that there is no evidence in the record that satisfies the statutory elements of bribery, the Senate cannot substitute its own charges or charges made by House managers on the floor for those contained within the four corners of the House-passed Articles of Impeachment.“Third, the House failed to meet its evidentiary burden and attempted to shift that burden to the Senate. Unwilling to give the judicial system the time to answer important questions of privilege in regards to specific witnesses that the House managers claimed were key to the case, the House moved forward with impeachment. The House managers argued at the beginning of the trial that they had overwhelming evidence supporting impeachment. It was surprising then that the House managers attempted to burden the Senate with issuing subpoenas and taking testimony from those witnesses that the House failed to pursue. Regardless, additional evidence or witnesses would not change the material underlying facts describing the president’s actions. These actions are not ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’ as described by the Constitution, and therefore, I voted no on conviction and removal of the president.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Read my full statement below on the Senate&#39;s acquittal of President Trump. ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/2mjFU5BvI1">pic.twitter.com/2mjFU5BvI1</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1225188637710737409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The impeachment sham against <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> is OVER. It&#39;s time to get back to work. It&#39;s time for Republicans to come together to reelect this President and defend our Senate majority. Join us: <a href="https://t.co/iluBa7W4a1">https://t.co/iluBa7W4a1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kssen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kssen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/O9Tgdj418u">pic.twitter.com/O9Tgdj418u</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1225184009287847937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas 3rd District Rep. Sharice Davids did not release a statement following the end of the trial.Kansas 2nd District Congressman Steve Watkins retweeted a statement from House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Republican party is unified and President Trump will be acquitted. Mitt&#39;s flat wrong on this, and he doesn’t represent the views of any Republican in Congress.&mdash; Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPLeader/status/1225168210120642563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. officials respond to end of Trump impeachment trial

Susie “Sue” Ann Nelson, 68, entered into rest on Sunday, February 2, 2020, at Washington County Hospital in Washington, Kansas. She was born on August 21, 1951, in Concordia, Kansas, the daughter of Rex Eugene Swihart, Sr. and Betty B. Boling. Susie was one of five children born to this union, and she grew up in Concordia, attending Concordia schools.

On August 24, 1968, Sue married Richard R. Nelson at the Ada Lutheran Church, rural Kackley, and to this union two boys were born, Richard Craig and Jeremie Wayne.

Sue continued her education at NCK Technical College in Beloit, where she graduated with her Licensed Practical Nurse degree in 1978. &nbsp;She then spent her working career in the nursing field, working as a nurses aide at the Belle View&nbsp;Manor in Belleville, then as an LPN at the Cheyenne Lodge in Jamestown, where she was promoted to the Director of Nursing. Sue then worked as a receptionist for Dr. Vic Hurtig’s veterinary clinic in Courtland, before she returned to nursing as an LPN at the Belleville Health Care Center before her retirement.

Outside of work, Sue enjoyed spending time with her family, especially going shopping with her granddaughters. She also enjoyed reading books, spending time and visiting with friends, and watching movies on the Hallmark Channel. Recently, Sue became a very active user of Facebook.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, son Jeremie and granddaughter Kassidy Nelson. Sue is also preceded in death by her brother Mike Swihart, sister Pauline Cyr, her husband Richard’s parents, Ray and Zella Nelson, brother-in-law Martin Nelson and his wife Eve, and brother-in-law Floyd Nelson.

She will be forever remembered by her son Richard Craig Nelson and his wife Darcy of Washington, daughter-in-law Christel Nelson, grandsons Ryan, Dylan and Tyler Nelson, granddaughters McCaela, Cheyenne, Josie and Jackie Nelson, great-granddaughter Alice Nelson, brother Rex Swihart, Jr. and his wife Audrey of Concordia, brother Arlan Swihart and his wife Carla of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Sue is also survived by her brother-in-law Kenneth Nelson and his wife Deanna, sister-in-law Bonnie Hobson and her husband Gary, sister-in-law Marla Nelson, her roommate Mary Damman from the Linn Nursing Home, many nieces and nephews, other family and a host of friends.

Cremation was chosen, there will be no viewing. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020, from 1:00pm to 9:00pm at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville, where family will greet friends from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 2:00 pm, at the Ada Lutheran Church, rural Courtland, Kansas, with Jill Duis, PMA, officiating. Inurnment to follow the service at the Ada Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials are requested to the Republic County Hospital to benefit the Nursing Scholarship, or the City of Courtland, to benefit the City Park and Pool, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, assisted the Nelson family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580952364104.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Susie “Sue” Ann Nelson, 68, entered into rest on Sunday, February 2, 2020, at Washington County Hospital in Washington, Kansas. She was born on August 21, 1951, in Concordia, Kansas, the daughter of Rex Eugene Swihart, Sr. and Betty B. Boling. Susie was one of five children born to this union, and she grew up in Concordia, attending Concordia schools.On August 24, 1968, Sue married Richard R. Nelson at the Ada Lutheran Church, rural Kackley, and to this union two boys were born, Richard Craig and Jeremie Wayne.Sue continued her education at NCK Technical College in Beloit, where she graduated with her Licensed Practical Nurse degree in 1978. &nbsp;She then spent her working career in the nursing field, working as a nurses aide at the Belle View&nbsp;Manor in Belleville, then as an LPN at the Cheyenne Lodge in Jamestown, where she was promoted to the Director of Nursing. Sue then worked as a receptionist for Dr. Vic Hurtig’s veterinary clinic in Courtland, before she returned to nursing as an LPN at the Belleville Health Care Center before her retirement.Outside of work, Sue enjoyed spending time with her family, especially going shopping with her granddaughters. She also enjoyed reading books, spending time and visiting with friends, and watching movies on the Hallmark Channel. Recently, Sue became a very active user of Facebook.Sue is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, son Jeremie and granddaughter Kassidy Nelson. Sue is also preceded in death by her brother Mike Swihart, sister Pauline Cyr, her husband Richard’s parents, Ray and Zella Nelson, brother-in-law Martin Nelson and his wife Eve, and brother-in-law Floyd Nelson.She will be forever remembered by her son Richard Craig Nelson and his wife Darcy of Washington, daughter-in-law Christel Nelson, grandsons Ryan, Dylan and Tyler Nelson, granddaughters McCaela, Cheyenne, Josie and Jackie Nelson, great-granddaughter Alice Nelson, brother Rex Swihart, Jr. and his wife Audrey of Concordia, brother Arlan Swihart and his wife Carla of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Sue is also survived by her brother-in-law Kenneth Nelson and his wife Deanna, sister-in-law Bonnie Hobson and her husband Gary, sister-in-law Marla Nelson, her roommate Mary Damman from the Linn Nursing Home, many nieces and nephews, other family and a host of friends.Cremation was chosen, there will be no viewing. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020, from 1:00pm to 9:00pm at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville, where family will greet friends from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm.Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 2:00 pm, at the Ada Lutheran Church, rural Courtland, Kansas, with Jill Duis, PMA, officiating. Inurnment to follow the service at the Ada Lutheran Cemetery.Memorials are requested to the Republic County Hospital to benefit the Nursing Scholarship, or the City of Courtland, to benefit the City Park and Pool, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, assisted the Nelson family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com

Susie “Sue” Ann Nelson

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?468922-1/senate-impeachment-trial-vote&amp;live">Click here to watch a replay of the Senate vote</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump won impeachment acquittal Wednesday in the U.S. Senate, bringing to a close only the third presidential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/Trumpimpeachment">trial&nbsp;</a>in American history with votes that split the country, tested civic norms and fed the tumultuous 2020 race for the White House.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1801d682a79f1bdbde26cd59e36e5741">majority of senators&nbsp;</a>expressed unease with Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine that resulted in the two articles of impeachment. But the final tallies — 52-48 favoring acquittal of abuse of power, 53-47 of obstruction of Congress’ investigation — fell far short. Two-thirds “guilty” votes would have been needed to reach the Constitution’s bar of high crimes and misdemeanors to convict and remove Trump from office.

The outcome Wednesday followed months of remarkable impeachment proceedings, from Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s House to Mitch McConnell’s Senate, reflecting the nation’s unrelenting partisan divide three years into the Trump presidency.

What started as Trump’s request for Ukraine to “do us a favor” spun into a far-reaching, 28,000-page report compiled by House investigators accusing an American president of engaging in shadow diplomacy that threatened U.S. foreign relations for personal, political gain as he pressured the ally to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden ahead of the next election.

No president has ever been removed by the Senate.

A politically emboldened Trump has eagerly predicted vindication, deploying the verdict as a political anthem in his reelection bid. The president claims he did nothing wrong, decrying the “witch hunt” and “hoax” as extensions of special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian 2016 campaign interference by those out to get him from the start of his presidency.

The Wednesday afternoon vote was swift. With Chief Justice John Roberts presiding over the trial, senators sworn to do “impartial justice” stood at their desks for the roll call and stated their votes — “guilty” or “not guilty.”

On the first article of impeachment, Trump was charged with abuse of power. He was found not guilty. The second, obstruction of Congress, also produced a not guilty verdict.

Only one Republican, Mitt Romney of Utah, the party’s defeated 2012 presidential nominee, broke with the GOP.

Romney choked up as said drew on his faith and “oath before God” to announce he would vote guilty on the first charge, abuse of power. He would vote to acquit on the second.

Both Bill Clinton in 1999 and Andrew Johnson in 1868 drew cross-party support when they were left in office after an impeachment trial. President Richard Nixon resigned rather than face revolt from his own party.

Ahead of voting, some of the most closely watched senators took to the Senate floor to tell their constituents, and the nation, what they had decided. The Senate chaplain opened the trial with daily prayers for the senators, including one Wednesday seeking “integrity.”

Influential GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who is retiring, worried that a guilty verdict would “pour gasoline on the fire” of the nation’s culture wars over Trump. He said the House proved its case but it just didn’t rise to the level of impeachment.

“It would rip the country apart,” Alexander said before his vote.

Other Republicans siding with Trump said it was time to end what McConnell called the “circus” and move on. Trump ally GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham said it was a “sham” designed to destroy a presidency.

Most Democrats, though, echoed the House managers’ warnings that Trump, if left unchecked, would continue to abuse the power of his office for personal political gain and try to “cheat” again ahead of the the 2020 election.

During the nearly three-week trial, House Democrats prosecuting the case argued that Trump abused power like no other president in history when he pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, ahead of the 2020 election.

They detailed an extraordinary shadow diplomacy run by Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani that set off alarms at the highest levels of government. After Trump’s July 25 phone call with Ukraine, Trump temporarily halted U.S. aid to the struggling ally battling hostile Russia at its border. The money was eventually released in September as Congress intervened.

When the House probed Trump’s actions, the president instructed White House aides to defy congressional subpoenas, leading to the obstruction charge.

One key Democrat, Alabama Sen. Doug Jones — perhaps the most endangered politically for reelection in a state where Trump is popular — announced he would vote to convict. “Senators are elected to make tough choices,” Jones said

Questions from the Ukraine matter continue to swirl. House Democrats may yet summon former national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c2f0afd5f6161d1e72d69e5990c044c5">John Bolton to testify&nbsp;</a>about revelations from his forthcoming book that offer a fresh account of Trump’s actions. Other eyewitnesses and documents are almost sure to surface.

In closing arguments for the trial the lead prosecutor, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., appealed to senators’ sense of decency, that “right matters” and “truth matters” and that Trump “is not who you are.″

“The president’s basic lack of character, his willingness to cheat in the election - he’s not going to stop,” Schiff told The Associated Press on Wednesday, predicting more revelations would become public. “It’s not going to change, which means that we are going to have to remain eternally vigilant.”

Pelosi was initially reluctant to launch impeachment proceedings against Trump when she took control of the House after the 2018 election, dismissively telling more liberal voices that “he’s not worth it.″

Trump and his GOP allies in Congress argue that Democrats have been trying to undercut him from the start.

But a whistleblower complaint of his conversation with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy set off alarms. The call had been placed the day after Mueller announced the findings of his Russia probe.

When Trump told Pelosi in September that the call was perfect, she was stunned. “Perfectly wrong,” she said. Days later, the speaker announced the formal impeachment inquiry.

The result was the quickest, most partisan impeachment in U.S. history, with no Republicans joining the House Democrats to vote for the charges, though one GOP congressman left the party and voted for impeachment and two Democrats joined Republicans to oppose. The Republican Senate kept up the pace with the fastest trial ever, and the first with no witnesses or deliberations.

Trump’s legal team with star attorney Alan Dershowitz made the sweeping, if stunning, assertion that even if the president engaged in the quid pro quo as described, it is not impeachable, because politicians often view their own political interest with the national interest.

McConnell, who commands a 53-47 Republican majority, braced for dissent, refusing efforts to prolong the trial with more witnesses, arguing the House should have done a better job.

Some GOP senators distanced themselves from Trump’s defense, and other Republicans brushed back calls from conservatives to disclose the name of the anonymous whistleblower. The Associated Press typically does not reveal the identity of whistleblowers.

Trump’s approval rating, which has generally languished in the mid- to low-40s, hit a new high of 49% in the latest Gallup polling, which was conducted as the Senate trial was drawing to a close. The poll found that 51% of the public views the Republican Party favorably, the first time the GOP’s number has exceeded 50% since 2005.

Washington (AP) —President Donald Trump has been found not guilty of the first article of impeachment, abuse of power, by the Senate. The vote puts him on the verge of acquittal, bringing an end to only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. 

The 52-48 vote along party lines was reflective of the nation's divisions over the Trump presidency. 

Trump is eager to use acquittal as vindication, a political anthem in his reelection bid.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580937217541.png" alt="The U.S. Senate chamber during Wednesday's historic impeachment vote" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. Senate chamber during Wednesday's historic impeachment vote</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?468922-1/senate-impeachment-trial-vote&amp;live">Click here to watch a replay of the Senate vote</a>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump won impeachment acquittal Wednesday in the U.S. Senate, bringing to a close only the third presidential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/Trumpimpeachment">trial&nbsp;</a>in American history with votes that split the country, tested civic norms and fed the tumultuous 2020 race for the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just voted to acquit <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. It&#39;s time the entire Congress get back to the important work of the people.&mdash; Senator Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenPatRoberts/status/1225174416293711873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1801d682a79f1bdbde26cd59e36e5741">majority of senators&nbsp;</a>expressed unease with Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine that resulted in the two articles of impeachment. But the final tallies — 52-48 favoring acquittal of abuse of power, 53-47 of obstruction of Congress’ investigation — fell far short. Two-thirds “guilty” votes would have been needed to reach the Constitution’s bar of high crimes and misdemeanors to convict and remove Trump from office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580937939458.png" alt="Chief Justice John Roberts reads the result of Wednesday's vote in the U.S. Senate" />
 <figcaption>Chief Justice John Roberts reads the result of Wednesday's vote in the U.S. Senate</figcaption>
 </figure>The outcome Wednesday followed months of remarkable impeachment proceedings, from Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s House to Mitch McConnell’s Senate, reflecting the nation’s unrelenting partisan divide three years into the Trump presidency.What started as Trump’s request for Ukraine to “do us a favor” spun into a far-reaching, 28,000-page report compiled by House investigators accusing an American president of engaging in shadow diplomacy that threatened U.S. foreign relations for personal, political gain as he pressured the ally to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden ahead of the next election.No president has ever been removed by the Senate.A politically emboldened Trump has eagerly predicted vindication, deploying the verdict as a political anthem in his reelection bid. The president claims he did nothing wrong, decrying the “witch hunt” and “hoax” as extensions of special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian 2016 campaign interference by those out to get him from the start of his presidency.The Wednesday afternoon vote was swift. With Chief Justice John Roberts presiding over the trial, senators sworn to do “impartial justice” stood at their desks for the roll call and stated their votes — “guilty” or “not guilty.”On the first article of impeachment, Trump was charged with abuse of power. He was found not guilty. The second, obstruction of Congress, also produced a not guilty verdict.Only one Republican, Mitt Romney of Utah, the party’s defeated 2012 presidential nominee, broke with the GOP.Romney choked up as said drew on his faith and “oath before God” to announce he would vote guilty on the first charge, abuse of power. He would vote to acquit on the second.Both Bill Clinton in 1999 and Andrew Johnson in 1868 drew cross-party support when they were left in office after an impeachment trial. President Richard Nixon resigned rather than face revolt from his own party.Ahead of voting, some of the most closely watched senators took to the Senate floor to tell their constituents, and the nation, what they had decided. The Senate chaplain opened the trial with daily prayers for the senators, including one Wednesday seeking “integrity.”Influential GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who is retiring, worried that a guilty verdict would “pour gasoline on the fire” of the nation’s culture wars over Trump. He said the House proved its case but it just didn’t rise to the level of impeachment.“It would rip the country apart,” Alexander said before his vote.Other Republicans siding with Trump said it was time to end what McConnell called the “circus” and move on. Trump ally GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham said it was a “sham” designed to destroy a presidency.Most Democrats, though, echoed the House managers’ warnings that Trump, if left unchecked, would continue to abuse the power of his office for personal political gain and try to “cheat” again ahead of the the 2020 election.During the nearly three-week trial, House Democrats prosecuting the case argued that Trump abused power like no other president in history when he pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, ahead of the 2020 election.They detailed an extraordinary shadow diplomacy run by Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani that set off alarms at the highest levels of government. After Trump’s July 25 phone call with Ukraine, Trump temporarily halted U.S. aid to the struggling ally battling hostile Russia at its border. The money was eventually released in September as Congress intervened.When the House probed Trump’s actions, the president instructed White House aides to defy congressional subpoenas, leading to the obstruction charge.One key Democrat, Alabama Sen. Doug Jones — perhaps the most endangered politically for reelection in a state where Trump is popular — announced he would vote to convict. “Senators are elected to make tough choices,” Jones saidQuestions from the Ukraine matter continue to swirl. House Democrats may yet summon former national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c2f0afd5f6161d1e72d69e5990c044c5">John Bolton to testify&nbsp;</a>about revelations from his forthcoming book that offer a fresh account of Trump’s actions. Other eyewitnesses and documents are almost sure to surface.In closing arguments for the trial the lead prosecutor, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., appealed to senators’ sense of decency, that “right matters” and “truth matters” and that Trump “is not who you are.″“The president’s basic lack of character, his willingness to cheat in the election - he’s not going to stop,” Schiff told The Associated Press on Wednesday, predicting more revelations would become public. “It’s not going to change, which means that we are going to have to remain eternally vigilant.”Pelosi was initially reluctant to launch impeachment proceedings against Trump when she took control of the House after the 2018 election, dismissively telling more liberal voices that “he’s not worth it.″Trump and his GOP allies in Congress argue that Democrats have been trying to undercut him from the start.But a whistleblower complaint of his conversation with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy set off alarms. The call had been placed the day after Mueller announced the findings of his Russia probe.When Trump told Pelosi in September that the call was perfect, she was stunned. “Perfectly wrong,” she said. Days later, the speaker announced the formal impeachment inquiry.The result was the quickest, most partisan impeachment in U.S. history, with no Republicans joining the House Democrats to vote for the charges, though one GOP congressman left the party and voted for impeachment and two Democrats joined Republicans to oppose. The Republican Senate kept up the pace with the fastest trial ever, and the first with no witnesses or deliberations.Trump’s legal team with star attorney Alan Dershowitz made the sweeping, if stunning, assertion that even if the president engaged in the quid pro quo as described, it is not impeachable, because politicians often view their own political interest with the national interest.McConnell, who commands a 53-47 Republican majority, braced for dissent, refusing efforts to prolong the trial with more witnesses, arguing the House should have done a better job.Some GOP senators distanced themselves from Trump’s defense, and other Republicans brushed back calls from conservatives to disclose the name of the anonymous whistleblower. The Associated Press typically does not reveal the identity of whistleblowers.Trump’s approval rating, which has generally languished in the mid- to low-40s, hit a new high of 49% in the latest Gallup polling, which was conducted as the Senate trial was drawing to a close. The poll found that 51% of the public views the Republican Party favorably, the first time the GOP’s number has exceeded 50% since 2005.___-----------Washington (AP) —President Donald Trump has been found not guilty of the first article of impeachment, abuse of power, by the Senate. The vote puts him on the verge of acquittal, bringing an end to only the third presidential impeachment trial in American history. The 52-48 vote along party lines was reflective of the nation's divisions over the Trump presidency. Trump is eager to use acquittal as vindication, a political anthem in his reelection bid.&nbsp;----------

🎥 Not Guilty: Senate acquits Trump of impeachment charges

Today is Wednesday, Feb. 5, the 36th day of 2020. There are 330 days left in the year.

On Feb. 5, 2001, four disciples of Osama bin Laden went on trial in New York in the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa. (The four were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.)

In 1811, George, the Prince of Wales, was named Prince Regent due to the mental illness of his father, Britain's King George III.

In 1917, Mexico's present constitution was adopted by the Constitutional Convention in Santiago de Queretaro. The U.S. Congress passed, over President Woodrow Wilson's veto, an act severely curtailing Asian immigration.

In 1918, during World War I, the Cunard liner SS Tuscania, which was transporting about 2,000 American troops to Europe, was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the Irish Sea with the loss of more than 200 people.

In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed increasing the number of U.S. Supreme Court justices; the proposal, which failed in Congress, drew accusations that Roosevelt was attempting to "pack" the nation's highest court.

In 1971, Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell stepped onto the surface of the moon in the first of two lunar excursions.

In 1983, former Nazi Gestapo official Klaus Barbie, expelled from Bolivia, was brought to Lyon, France, to stand trial. (He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison -- he died in 1991.)

In 1988, the Arizona House impeached Republican Gov. Evan Mecham, setting the stage for his trial in the state Senate, where he was convicted of obstructing justice and misusing state funds allegedly funneled to his Pontiac dealership.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act, granting workers up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for family emergencies.

In 1994, white separatist Byron De La Beckwith was convicted in Jackson, Mississippi, of murdering civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963, and was immediately sentenced to life in prison. (Beckwith died Jan. 21, 2001 at age 80.)

In 1999, Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was sentenced in Rockville, Md., to a year in jail for assaulting two motorists following a traffic accident (he ended up serving 3 1/2 months).

In 2002, A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., indicted John Walker Lindh on ten charges, alleging he was trained by Osama bin Laden's network and then conspired with the Taliban to kill Americans. (Lindh later pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. He was released in May 2019 after serving more than 17 years.)

In 2009, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer.

Ten years ago: Toyota's president, Akio Toyoda, emerged from seclusion to apologize and address criticism that the automaker had mishandled a crisis over sticking gas pedals.

Five years ago: Jordan stepped up its air attacks on Islamic State facilities in Syria and expanded its airstrikes into Iraq for the first time after a captured Jordanian pilot was burned to death by the militant group. At the National Prayer Breakfast, President Barack Obama called the Islamic State group a "death cult" and condemned those who seek to use religion as a rationale for violence. RadioShack filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and said it would sell up to 2,400 stores.

One year ago: In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump called on Washington to end what he called "ridiculous partisan investigation" and cast aside "revenge, resistance and retribution;" Trump accepted no blame for the rancorous atmosphere and refused to yield on the hard-line immigration policies that had infuriated Democrats and forced a government shutdown. In the Democratic response, Stacey Abrams, who had lost her bid in Georgia to become America's first black woman governor, accused Trump of abandoning working Americans and bringing partisan and cultural discord. Chanting for yet another title, hundreds of thousands of fans jammed downtown Boston for a parade celebrating the New England Patriots' sixth Super Bowl victory.

Today's Birthdays: Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron is 86. Actor Stuart Damon is 83. Tony-winning playwright John Guare is 82. Financial writer Jane Bryant Quinn is 81. Actor David Selby is 79. Singer-songwriter Barrett Strong is 79. Football Hall of Famer Roger Staubach is 78. Movie director Michael Mann is 77. Rock singer Al Kooper is 76. Actress Charlotte Rampling is 74. Racing Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip is 73. Actress Barbara Hershey is 72. Actor Christopher Guest is 72. Actor Tom Wilkinson is 72. Actor-comedian Tim Meadows is 59. Actress Jennifer Jason Leigh is 58. Actress Laura Linney is 56. Rock musician Duff McKagan (Velvet Revolver) is 56. World Golf Hall of Famer Jose Maria Olazabal is 54. Actor-comedian Chris Parnell is 53. Rock singer Chris Barron (Spin Doctors) is 52. Singer Bobby Brown is 51. Actor Michael Sheen is 51. Actor David Chisum is 50. Country singer Sara Evans is 49. Country singer Tyler Farr is 36. Neo-soul musician Mark Shusterman (Nathaniel Rateliff &amp; the Night Sweats) is 35. Actor-singer Darren Criss is 33. Actor Alex Brightman is 33. Actor Henry Golding is 33. Rock musician Kyle Simmons (Bastille) is 32. Actor Jeremy Sumpter is 31. Drummer Graham Sierota (Echosmith) is 21.

Thought for Today: "Men do not desire to be rich, but to be richer than other men." — John Stuart Mill, English philosopher and economist (1806-1873).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Wednesday, Feb. 5, the 36th day of 2020. There are 330 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 5, 2001, four disciples of Osama bin Laden went on trial in New York in the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa. (The four were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.)On this date:In 1811, George, the Prince of Wales, was named Prince Regent due to the mental illness of his father, Britain's King George III.In 1917, Mexico's present constitution was adopted by the Constitutional Convention in Santiago de Queretaro. The U.S. Congress passed, over President Woodrow Wilson's veto, an act severely curtailing Asian immigration.In 1918, during World War I, the Cunard liner SS Tuscania, which was transporting about 2,000 American troops to Europe, was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the Irish Sea with the loss of more than 200 people.In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed increasing the number of U.S. Supreme Court justices; the proposal, which failed in Congress, drew accusations that Roosevelt was attempting to "pack" the nation's highest court.In 1971, Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell stepped onto the surface of the moon in the first of two lunar excursions.In 1983, former Nazi Gestapo official Klaus Barbie, expelled from Bolivia, was brought to Lyon, France, to stand trial. (He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison -- he died in 1991.)In 1988, the Arizona House impeached Republican Gov. Evan Mecham, setting the stage for his trial in the state Senate, where he was convicted of obstructing justice and misusing state funds allegedly funneled to his Pontiac dealership.In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act, granting workers up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for family emergencies.In 1994, white separatist Byron De La Beckwith was convicted in Jackson, Mississippi, of murdering civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963, and was immediately sentenced to life in prison. (Beckwith died Jan. 21, 2001 at age 80.)In 1999, Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was sentenced in Rockville, Md., to a year in jail for assaulting two motorists following a traffic accident (he ended up serving 3 1/2 months).In 2002, A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., indicted John Walker Lindh on ten charges, alleging he was trained by Osama bin Laden's network and then conspired with the Taliban to kill Americans. (Lindh later pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. He was released in May 2019 after serving more than 17 years.)In 2009, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer.Ten years ago: Toyota's president, Akio Toyoda, emerged from seclusion to apologize and address criticism that the automaker had mishandled a crisis over sticking gas pedals.Five years ago: Jordan stepped up its air attacks on Islamic State facilities in Syria and expanded its airstrikes into Iraq for the first time after a captured Jordanian pilot was burned to death by the militant group. At the National Prayer Breakfast, President Barack Obama called the Islamic State group a "death cult" and condemned those who seek to use religion as a rationale for violence. RadioShack filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and said it would sell up to 2,400 stores.One year ago: In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump called on Washington to end what he called "ridiculous partisan investigation" and cast aside "revenge, resistance and retribution;" Trump accepted no blame for the rancorous atmosphere and refused to yield on the hard-line immigration policies that had infuriated Democrats and forced a government shutdown. In the Democratic response, Stacey Abrams, who had lost her bid in Georgia to become America's first black woman governor, accused Trump of abandoning working Americans and bringing partisan and cultural discord. Chanting for yet another title, hundreds of thousands of fans jammed downtown Boston for a parade celebrating the New England Patriots' sixth Super Bowl victory.Today's Birthdays: Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron is 86. Actor Stuart Damon is 83. Tony-winning playwright John Guare is 82. Financial writer Jane Bryant Quinn is 81. Actor David Selby is 79. Singer-songwriter Barrett Strong is 79. Football Hall of Famer Roger Staubach is 78. Movie director Michael Mann is 77. Rock singer Al Kooper is 76. Actress Charlotte Rampling is 74. Racing Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip is 73. Actress Barbara Hershey is 72. Actor Christopher Guest is 72. Actor Tom Wilkinson is 72. Actor-comedian Tim Meadows is 59. Actress Jennifer Jason Leigh is 58. Actress Laura Linney is 56. Rock musician Duff McKagan (Velvet Revolver) is 56. World Golf Hall of Famer Jose Maria Olazabal is 54. Actor-comedian Chris Parnell is 53. Rock singer Chris Barron (Spin Doctors) is 52. Singer Bobby Brown is 51. Actor Michael Sheen is 51. Actor David Chisum is 50. Country singer Sara Evans is 49. Country singer Tyler Farr is 36. Neo-soul musician Mark Shusterman (Nathaniel Rateliff &amp; the Night Sweats) is 35. Actor-singer Darren Criss is 33. Actor Alex Brightman is 33. Actor Henry Golding is 33. Rock musician Kyle Simmons (Bastille) is 32. Actor Jeremy Sumpter is 31. Drummer Graham Sierota (Echosmith) is 21.Thought for Today: "Men do not desire to be rich, but to be richer than other men." — John Stuart Mill, English philosopher and economist (1806-1873).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Feb. 5

By STEPHAN BISAHA, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/high-school-graduates-disabilities-want-work-kansas-short-help-they-need">Kansas News Service</a>

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kansas — Nikki Heiman was 
excited to learn that the state was sending a job counselor to work with
 her son, Trenton, a high school student with Down syndrome.

But 
that excitement fizzled when Heiman learned the specialist could only 
meet with Trenton once a month — and only for 15 minutes. That’s all the
 time the counselor could squeeze into her schedule while handling a 
large caseload that forces her to shuttle between multiple counties.

“We
 were very disappointed,” Heiman said. “When you cover five counties, 
you spend so much of your workweek driving and not nearly enough 
providing services to people who need support.”

State agencies 
want Kansans with disabilities in the workforce. Even earning a modest 
wage can bring added purpose and pride to their lives, and stability. 
But landing and keeping a job, especially for people with cognitive 
challenges, can prove daunting.

To make that happen, counties 
across the state turn to the private Project Search program. The 
national program pairs disabled workers with employers and gives workers
 some of the special tools they need to keep things humming in an office
 or on a shop floor.

Genesis
 Coleman’s long legs made for an awkward fit in a chair made for someone
 half his size. But he read to the 1-year-old sitting next to him. The 
day’s book: “Teeth Are Not For Biting.”

After graduating from Derby Public Schools, Coleman signed up for a 
year-long internship at McConnell Air Force Base’s child care center 
through <a href="https://www.projectsearch.us/who-we-are/" target="_blank">Project Search</a>.

Coleman
 hopes to earn a job working with children, possibly as a teacher’s 
aide. He has autism and he’s learning at McConnell how to deal with 
kids. That includes adapting to their heightened emotions, especially 
sadness.

“I ask them what’s wrong,” Coleman said. “I sometimes 
just let them just stay with me. And, you know, just tell them it’s 
alright sometimes.”

Project Search works with <a href="https://www.sunflowerhealthplan.com/members/medicaid/resources/helpful-links/project-search.html" target="_blank">13 Kansas job sites</a>, including hospitals, universities and hotels. Instructors try to keep a light touch on supporting the interns on the job.

“We
 have high expectations because we don’t want them to fail when they get
 their full-time, paying job,” said Vicki Rierson, a Project Search 
instructor for Derby Public Schools.

Besides the work experience,
 interns spend part of their day in class. The lessons range from 
financial literacy to self-care — topics meant to help students in their
 life during and after work.

After eight years in Kansas, Project Search says 74% of its interns land jobs. Only about <a href="https://www.statedata.info/bbstates/Kansas.pdf" target="_blank">46% of working age Kansans with disabilities are employed</a>. For those with cognitive disabilities, it’s 35%.

Project
 Search helps about 100 interns a year in Kansas. The Kansas Department 
for Children and Families estimates that more than 16,000 students 16 
and older have a disability.

Kansas offers job counseling for 
students and graduates with disabilities, but the state doesn’t have 
enough counselors for everyone.

Kansas struggles to hire the counselors it needs because they can make more in other states. Counselors in <a href="https://www.indeed.com/salaries/Vocational-Rehabilitation-Counselor-Salaries,-Nebraska" target="_blank">Nebraska make $20,000</a> more than those in <a href="https://www.indeed.com/salaries/Vocational-Rehabilitation-Counselor-Salaries,-Kansas" target="_blank">Kansas</a>.

But
 the tight Kansas labor market could also make it easier to convince 
employers to hire more workers with disabilities, their advocates say. 
They say that with workers scarce, businesses can’t afford to ignore any
 job applications.

“Any employer you talk to will tell you how 
hard it is to hire good help these days,” said Rocky Nichols, head of 
the Disability Rights Center of Kansas. “Well, guess what? There are 
tons and tons of people with disabilities who have talents, who have 
abilities and skills, who are being unutilized in our Kansas economy.”

Even
 after getting hired, Kansans with disabilities still need ongoing 
support, So do their employers. Advocates say businesses need training 
in how to accommodate someone with a disability.

With just 
minimal support, like having an advocate check in at work every few 
months, 70% of workers with cognitive disabilities stay successful, said
 Craig Knutson, a policy analyst with the Kansas Council on 
Developmental Disabilities. He said that without the support, most lose 
their job after five years.

Employers may need lessons on how to 
communicate with someone who doesn’t speak. A worker with Down syndrome 
may need more supervision and direct instructions to stay on task.

And as a task changes — like a filing system going from physical to digital — more training has to happen.

Project
 Search approached Jennifer Jull-Sullivan about taking on an intern at 
her veterinary practice a few years ago. She previously had one employee
 with a disability work at Blair Doon Veterinary Hospital for about a 
decade. But the employee’s condition eventually worsened until she could
 no longer work. Jull-Sullivan eventually did take on the intern and 
eventually hired him as a kennel assistant. That’s a choice she likely 
wouldn’t have made without support before and after the internship.

“I really did feel like I’d had my hand held all the way through,” Jull-Sullivan said. “It worked very nicely.”

Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha?lang=en" target="_blank">@stevebisaha</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580740573084.jpeg" alt=" Project Search intern Genesis Coleman cares for children at the Child Development Center on McConnell Air Force Base. Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Project Search intern Genesis Coleman cares for children at the Child Development Center on McConnell Air Force Base. Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHAN BISAHA, <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/high-school-graduates-disabilities-want-work-kansas-short-help-they-need">Kansas News Service</a>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kansas — Nikki Heiman was 
excited to learn that the state was sending a job counselor to work with
 her son, Trenton, a high school student with Down syndrome.But 
that excitement fizzled when Heiman learned the specialist could only 
meet with Trenton once a month — and only for 15 minutes. That’s all the
 time the counselor could squeeze into her schedule while handling a 
large caseload that forces her to shuttle between multiple counties.“We
 were very disappointed,” Heiman said. “When you cover five counties, 
you spend so much of your workweek driving and not nearly enough 
providing services to people who need support.”State agencies 
want Kansans with disabilities in the workforce. Even earning a modest 
wage can bring added purpose and pride to their lives, and stability. 
But landing and keeping a job, especially for people with cognitive 
challenges, can prove daunting.To make that happen, counties 
across the state turn to the private Project Search program. The 
national program pairs disabled workers with employers and gives workers
 some of the special tools they need to keep things humming in an office
 or on a shop floor.<h2>Project Search</h2>Genesis
 Coleman’s long legs made for an awkward fit in a chair made for someone
 half his size. But he read to the 1-year-old sitting next to him. The 
day’s book: “Teeth Are Not For Biting.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580740635275.jpeg" alt=" Project Search intern Genesis Coleman reads to a 1-year-old at McConnell Air Force Base's child care center. Credit Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Project Search intern Genesis Coleman reads to a 1-year-old at McConnell Air Force Base's child care center. Credit Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>After graduating from Derby Public Schools, Coleman signed up for a 
year-long internship at McConnell Air Force Base’s child care center 
through <a href="https://www.projectsearch.us/who-we-are/" target="_blank">Project Search</a>.Coleman
 hopes to earn a job working with children, possibly as a teacher’s 
aide. He has autism and he’s learning at McConnell how to deal with 
kids. That includes adapting to their heightened emotions, especially 
sadness.“I ask them what’s wrong,” Coleman said. “I sometimes 
just let them just stay with me. And, you know, just tell them it’s 
alright sometimes.”Project Search works with <a href="https://www.sunflowerhealthplan.com/members/medicaid/resources/helpful-links/project-search.html" target="_blank">13 Kansas job sites</a>, including hospitals, universities and hotels. Instructors try to keep a light touch on supporting the interns on the job.“We
 have high expectations because we don’t want them to fail when they get
 their full-time, paying job,” said Vicki Rierson, a Project Search 
instructor for Derby Public Schools.Besides the work experience,
 interns spend part of their day in class. The lessons range from 
financial literacy to self-care — topics meant to help students in their
 life during and after work.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580740664109.jpeg" alt=" Derby Public Schools Project Search instructor Vicki Rierson teaches interns about financial literacy. Credit Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Derby Public Schools Project Search instructor Vicki Rierson teaches interns about financial literacy. Credit Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>After eight years in Kansas, Project Search says 74% of its interns land jobs. Only about <a href="https://www.statedata.info/bbstates/Kansas.pdf" target="_blank">46% of working age Kansans with disabilities are employed</a>. For those with cognitive disabilities, it’s 35%.Project
 Search helps about 100 interns a year in Kansas. The Kansas Department 
for Children and Families estimates that more than 16,000 students 16 
and older have a disability.Kansas offers job counseling for 
students and graduates with disabilities, but the state doesn’t have 
enough counselors for everyone.<h2>Market Forces</h2>Kansas struggles to hire the counselors it needs because they can make more in other states. Counselors in <a href="https://www.indeed.com/salaries/Vocational-Rehabilitation-Counselor-Salaries,-Nebraska" target="_blank">Nebraska make $20,000</a> more than those in <a href="https://www.indeed.com/salaries/Vocational-Rehabilitation-Counselor-Salaries,-Kansas" target="_blank">Kansas</a>.But
 the tight Kansas labor market could also make it easier to convince 
employers to hire more workers with disabilities, their advocates say. 
They say that with workers scarce, businesses can’t afford to ignore any
 job applications.“Any employer you talk to will tell you how 
hard it is to hire good help these days,” said Rocky Nichols, head of 
the Disability Rights Center of Kansas. “Well, guess what? There are 
tons and tons of people with disabilities who have talents, who have 
abilities and skills, who are being unutilized in our Kansas economy.”Even
 after getting hired, Kansans with disabilities still need ongoing 
support, So do their employers. Advocates say businesses need training 
in how to accommodate someone with a disability.With just 
minimal support, like having an advocate check in at work every few 
months, 70% of workers with cognitive disabilities stay successful, said
 Craig Knutson, a policy analyst with the Kansas Council on 
Developmental Disabilities. He said that without the support, most lose 
their job after five years.Employers may need lessons on how to 
communicate with someone who doesn’t speak. A worker with Down syndrome 
may need more supervision and direct instructions to stay on task.And as a task changes — like a filing system going from physical to digital — more training has to happen.Project
 Search approached Jennifer Jull-Sullivan about taking on an intern at 
her veterinary practice a few years ago. She previously had one employee
 with a disability work at Blair Doon Veterinary Hospital for about a 
decade. But the employee’s condition eventually worsened until she could
 no longer work. Jull-Sullivan eventually did take on the intern and 
eventually hired him as a kennel assistant. That’s a choice she likely 
wouldn’t have made without support before and after the internship.“I really did feel like I’d had my hand held all the way through,” Jull-Sullivan said. “It worked very nicely.”Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha?lang=en" target="_blank">@stevebisaha</a>.

Kan. falls short helping HS grads with disabilities in workforce

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just before 10p.m. Monday, an officer from the Great Bend Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle at 23rd and McKinley Street for a traffic violation, according to a media release.

The driver, and only occupant of the vehicle, identified as Aqeisa Koett, age 38, had an outstanding warrant for possession of methamphetamine from a previous narcotics investigation.

During Koett's arrest,&nbsp; police located a plastic baggie containing numerous prescription pills in the vehicle. Koett was also arrested on a requested charged for possession of a controlled substance, according to police.

Koett was transported to the Barton County Jail where she was booked in lieu of $20,000 bond. She had two previous drug convictions in 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580839066537.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Aqeisa KoettBARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just before 10p.m. Monday, an officer from the Great Bend Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle at 23rd and McKinley Street for a traffic violation, according to a media release.The driver, and only occupant of the vehicle, identified as Aqeisa Koett, age 38, had an outstanding warrant for possession of methamphetamine from a previous narcotics investigation.During Koett's arrest,&nbsp; police located a plastic baggie containing numerous prescription pills in the vehicle. Koett was also arrested on a requested charged for possession of a controlled substance, according to police.Koett was transported to the Barton County Jail where she was booked in lieu of $20,000 bond. She had two previous drug convictions in 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed on new charge after traffic stop

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 4, the 35th day of 2020. There are 331 days left in the year.

On Feb. 4, 2004, the social networking website Facebook had its beginnings as Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched "Thefacebook."

In 1783, Britain's King George III proclaimed a formal cessation of hostilities in the American Revolutionary War.

In 1789, electors chose George Washington to be the first president of the United States.

In 1861, delegates from six southern states that had recently seceded from the Union met in Montgomery, Alabama, to form the Confederate States of America.

In 1938, the Thornton Wilder play "Our Town" opened on Broadway. Walt Disney's animated feature "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" opened in general U.S. release.

In 1944, the Bronze Star Medal, honoring "heroic or meritorious achievement or service," was authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin began a wartime conference at Yalta.

In 1974, newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst, 19, was kidnapped in Berkeley, California, by the radical Symbionese Liberation Army.

In 1976, more than 23,000 people died when a severe earthquake struck Guatemala with a magnitude of 7.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

In 1983, pop singer-musician Karen Carpenter died in Downey, California, at age 32.

In 1997, a civil jury in Santa Monica, California, found O.J. Simpson liable for the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

In 2004, the Massachusetts high court declared that gay couples were entitled to nothing less than marriage, and that Vermont-style civil unions would not suffice.

In 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles, led by backup quarterback Nick Foles, became NFL champs for the first time since 1960, beating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 41-33 in the Super Bowl.

Ten years ago: Republican Scott Brown took over the seat of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy as he was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden at a Capitol Hill ceremony. The first National Tea Party Convention opened in Nashville.

Five years ago: As Boston continued to dig out from more than 3 feet of snow in the past week, the New England Patriots were finally honored with a parade celebrating their fourth Super Bowl win. Some fans defied police warnings and watched the parade from atop giant piles of snow.

One year ago: Jury deliberations began in the New York trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. (Guzman was convicted of murder conspiracy and drug trafficking and was sentenced to life in prison.) More than a dozen European Union countries endorsed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president, increasing pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to resign and clear the way for a new election. A British newspaper published an interview with actor Liam Neeson in which Neeson admitted that he'd had violent thoughts about killing a black person nearly 40 years earlier after learning that someone close to him had been raped.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Jerry Adler is 91. Former Argentinian President Isabel Peron is 89. Actor Gary Conway is 84. Actor John Schuck is 80. Rock musician John Steel (The Animals) is 79. Singer Florence LaRue (The Fifth Dimension) is 78. Former Vice President Dan Quayle is 73. Rock singer Alice Cooper is 72. Actor Michael Beck is 71. Actress Lisa Eichhorn is 68. Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor is 61. Actress Pamelyn Ferdin is 61. Rock singer Tim Booth is 60. Rock musician Henry Bogdan is 59. Country singer Clint Black is 58. Rock musician Noodles (The Offspring) is 57. Country musician Dave Buchanan (Yankee Grey) is 54. Actress Gabrielle Anwar is 50. Actor Rob Corddry is 49. Singer David&nbsp; Garza is 49. Actor Michael Goorjian is 49. TV personality Nicolle Wallace is 48. Olympic gold medal boxer Oscar De La Hoya is 47. Rock musician Rick Burch (Jimmy Eat World) is 45. Singer Natalie Imbruglia is 45. Rapper Cam'ron is 44. Rock singer Gavin DeGraw is 43. Rock singer Zoe Manville is 36. Actor/musician Bashy, AKA Ashley Thomas, is 35. Actor Charlie Barnett is 32. Olympic gold medal gymnast-turned-singer Carly Patterson is 32. Actress Kyla Kenedy (TV: "Speechless") is 17.

Thought for Today: "Life is doubt, and faith without doubt is nothing but death." — Miguel de Unamuno, Spanish philosopher (1864-1936).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Tuesday, Feb. 4, the 35th day of 2020. There are 331 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 4, 2004, the social networking website Facebook had its beginnings as Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched "Thefacebook."On this date:In 1783, Britain's King George III proclaimed a formal cessation of hostilities in the American Revolutionary War.In 1789, electors chose George Washington to be the first president of the United States.In 1861, delegates from six southern states that had recently seceded from the Union met in Montgomery, Alabama, to form the Confederate States of America.In 1938, the Thornton Wilder play "Our Town" opened on Broadway. Walt Disney's animated feature "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" opened in general U.S. release.In 1944, the Bronze Star Medal, honoring "heroic or meritorious achievement or service," was authorized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin began a wartime conference at Yalta.In 1974, newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst, 19, was kidnapped in Berkeley, California, by the radical Symbionese Liberation Army.In 1976, more than 23,000 people died when a severe earthquake struck Guatemala with a magnitude of 7.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.In 1983, pop singer-musician Karen Carpenter died in Downey, California, at age 32.In 1997, a civil jury in Santa Monica, California, found O.J. Simpson liable for the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.In 2004, the Massachusetts high court declared that gay couples were entitled to nothing less than marriage, and that Vermont-style civil unions would not suffice.In 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles, led by backup quarterback Nick Foles, became NFL champs for the first time since 1960, beating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 41-33 in the Super Bowl.Ten years ago: Republican Scott Brown took over the seat of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy as he was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden at a Capitol Hill ceremony. The first National Tea Party Convention opened in Nashville.Five years ago: As Boston continued to dig out from more than 3 feet of snow in the past week, the New England Patriots were finally honored with a parade celebrating their fourth Super Bowl win. Some fans defied police warnings and watched the parade from atop giant piles of snow.One year ago: Jury deliberations began in the New York trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. (Guzman was convicted of murder conspiracy and drug trafficking and was sentenced to life in prison.) More than a dozen European Union countries endorsed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president, increasing pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to resign and clear the way for a new election. A British newspaper published an interview with actor Liam Neeson in which Neeson admitted that he'd had violent thoughts about killing a black person nearly 40 years earlier after learning that someone close to him had been raped.Today's Birthdays: Actor Jerry Adler is 91. Former Argentinian President Isabel Peron is 89. Actor Gary Conway is 84. Actor John Schuck is 80. Rock musician John Steel (The Animals) is 79. Singer Florence LaRue (The Fifth Dimension) is 78. Former Vice President Dan Quayle is 73. Rock singer Alice Cooper is 72. Actor Michael Beck is 71. Actress Lisa Eichhorn is 68. Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor is 61. Actress Pamelyn Ferdin is 61. Rock singer Tim Booth is 60. Rock musician Henry Bogdan is 59. Country singer Clint Black is 58. Rock musician Noodles (The Offspring) is 57. Country musician Dave Buchanan (Yankee Grey) is 54. Actress Gabrielle Anwar is 50. Actor Rob Corddry is 49. Singer David&nbsp; Garza is 49. Actor Michael Goorjian is 49. TV personality Nicolle Wallace is 48. Olympic gold medal boxer Oscar De La Hoya is 47. Rock musician Rick Burch (Jimmy Eat World) is 45. Singer Natalie Imbruglia is 45. Rapper Cam'ron is 44. Rock singer Gavin DeGraw is 43. Rock singer Zoe Manville is 36. Actor/musician Bashy, AKA Ashley Thomas, is 35. Actor Charlie Barnett is 32. Olympic gold medal gymnast-turned-singer Carly Patterson is 32. Actress Kyla Kenedy (TV: "Speechless") is 17.Thought for Today: "Life is doubt, and faith without doubt is nothing but death." — Miguel de Unamuno, Spanish philosopher (1864-1936).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Feb. 4

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial heads toward a historic conclusion this week, with senators all-but-certain to acquit him on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after narrowly rejecting Democratic demands to summon witnesses.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?468864-1/senate-impeachment-trial-day-12&amp;playEvent">Click here to watch </a>closing arguments on day 12 of the trial

There’s still plenty of drama to unfold before Wednesday’s vote.

The vote is expected to cap a months-long investigation spurred by a whistleblower complaint that Trump improperly withheld U.S. military aid from Ukraine in a bid to pressure it to launch investigations into 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden.

In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage and there’s nowhere near the two-thirds needed for conviction and removal. On Friday, Republicans blocked consideration of new witnesses and documents, setting up the speedy acquittal vote for the coming week.

On Monday, House impeachment managers and Trump’s defense team return to the Senate floor to make closing arguments in the trial, the same day the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ce049651af41d729193cf574be5465af">2020 presidential election kicks off</a>&nbsp;with the first votes cast in the Iowa caucuses.

On Tuesday, Trump will deliver his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/39a1aa616aaaec2f41d6a67010bb79b1">State of the Union</a>&nbsp;address.

Will some Democratic senators join Republicans to acquit Trump, allowing him to claim a bipartisan “exoneration”? Will Trump gloat or express any regret over the Ukraine matter after key GOP senators during the trial criticized his actions as improper, but ultimately not impeachable? Will Wednesday’s Senate vote be the final say in the matter?

What to watch as the third impeachment trial in U.S. history heads to a close:

The trial resumed at 11 a.m. EST Monday for closing arguments by the two legal teams, with each side getting two hours. After the arguments, the Senate goes back into normal session to allow lawmakers to give speeches about impeachment on the floor from late Monday into Wednesday, before they reconvene as the impeachment court at 4 p.m. Wednesday and vote.

With Trump’s acquittal all but assured, one of the biggest questions may be whether any Democrats join with Republicans to clear him of charges. There is strong political significance.

Three Democratic senators hailing from states where Trump remains popular — Doug Jones of Alabama, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona — remained quiet over the weekend about their intentions.

They were among the 47 Democratic and independent senators who voted unsuccessfully to extend Trump’s trial by summoning additional witnesses.

If one or more of the Democratic senators votes to acquit Trump — even voting against one article of impeachment while supporting the other — it could alienate some Democratic voters, mark their legacies and let Trump spend his reelection campaign asserting that he was cleared by a bipartisan vote.

Manchin indicated to reporters Friday he probably won’t decide his vote “until walking in” to the chamber on Wednesday.

Jones has said he will announce his decision prior to Wednesday’s vote, making sure he gets it “right.” Sinema hasn’t indicated when she will signal her intentions.

Trump gives his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, and with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., perched behind him during his prime-time address, the White House has been coy as to whether Trump will reference the impeachment trial.

Trump “is gratified the Senate will set a schedule for his acquittal as quickly as possible. We do not believe that schedule interferes with his ability to deliver a strong, confident State of the Union,” White House aide Eric Ueland said Friday.

A year ago, Trump made no direct reference to his shutdown of government spurred by a dispute with Democrats over border wall funding in the speech he eventually delivered to Congress. He used his address to call for a “new era of cooperation.”

Still, there were plenty of subtle digs at the time, including when Trump warned those gathered against pursuing “foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous partisan investigations.”

It’s similarly unclear whether Trump could express regret or remorse over his Ukraine actions, though senators aren’t holding their breath.

The vote to convict or acquit Trump is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST Wednesday.

Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee was among several Republicans last Friday who voted to block additional witnesses and draw the trial to a close, even though he and others described Trump’s actions as “inappropriate” and “wrong.” Asked Sunday if he would want to hear Trump express regret, as President Bill Clinton did after his impeachment trial, Alexander said he doesn’t need to hear it.

“What I hope he would do is when he makes his State of the Union address, that he puts this completely behind him, never mentions it, and talks about what he thinks he’s done for the country and where we’re headed,” Alexander told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Alexander and other Republicans said that even if Trump committed offenses charged by the House, they are not impeachable — especially in an election year. They say voters should make that determination in November.

That leaves Trump’s fate still hanging in the balance.

A NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released Sunday found majorities of American voters believe that Trump abused his power and obstructed Congress, but split largely among party lines over whether he should be removed from office.

The poll, conducted Jan. 26-29, found 46% of registered voters believed Trump should be removed from office as a result of the trial, vs. 49% who said he should remain — basically unchanged from a 48-48 split in December.

An acquittal for Trump on Wednesday wouldn’t mean the end of the Ukraine matter in other respects.

Both Pelosi and Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, the lead impeachment manager, haven’t ruled out the possibility of compelling former national security adviser John Bolton to testify in the House should Trump be acquitted.

In an unpublished manuscript, Bolton has written that the president asked him during an Oval Office meeting in early May to bolster his effort to get Ukraine to investigate Democrats, according to a person who read the passage and told The Associated Press; Trump denies that. Bolton also wrote that Trump said he wanted to maintain a freeze on military assistance to Ukraine until it aided the political investigations. His book is due out in March. Senators ultimately voted against hearing his testimony.

“This is in the Senate now,” Pelosi told reporters last week. “We’ll see what happens after that.”

Republicans, for their part, aren’t pledging to fully close the case, either. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he planned to call Joe Biden as part of the congressional oversight process into possible corruption in Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579802744876.png" alt="<a href="https://www.c-span.org/series/?theSenate">The Senate</a>&nbsp;impeachment trial of President Trump continues with closing arguments. Senators will also debate the articles.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.c-span.org/series/?theSenate">The Senate</a>&nbsp;impeachment trial of President Trump continues with closing arguments. Senators will also debate the articles.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial heads toward a historic conclusion this week, with senators all-but-certain to acquit him on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after narrowly rejecting Democratic demands to summon witnesses.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?468864-1/senate-impeachment-trial-day-12&amp;playEvent">Click here to watch </a>closing arguments on day 12 of the trialThere’s still plenty of drama to unfold before Wednesday’s vote.The vote is expected to cap a months-long investigation spurred by a whistleblower complaint that Trump improperly withheld U.S. military aid from Ukraine in a bid to pressure it to launch investigations into 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden.In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage and there’s nowhere near the two-thirds needed for conviction and removal. On Friday, Republicans blocked consideration of new witnesses and documents, setting up the speedy acquittal vote for the coming week.It will be a frenetic next few days.On Monday, House impeachment managers and Trump’s defense team return to the Senate floor to make closing arguments in the trial, the same day the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ce049651af41d729193cf574be5465af">2020 presidential election kicks off</a>&nbsp;with the first votes cast in the Iowa caucuses.On Tuesday, Trump will deliver his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/39a1aa616aaaec2f41d6a67010bb79b1">State of the Union</a>&nbsp;address.Will some Democratic senators join Republicans to acquit Trump, allowing him to claim a bipartisan “exoneration”? Will Trump gloat or express any regret over the Ukraine matter after key GOP senators during the trial criticized his actions as improper, but ultimately not impeachable? Will Wednesday’s Senate vote be the final say in the matter?What to watch as the third impeachment trial in U.S. history heads to a close:CLOSING ARGUMENTSThe trial resumed at 11 a.m. EST Monday for closing arguments by the two legal teams, with each side getting two hours. After the arguments, the Senate goes back into normal session to allow lawmakers to give speeches about impeachment on the floor from late Monday into Wednesday, before they reconvene as the impeachment court at 4 p.m. Wednesday and vote.With Trump’s acquittal all but assured, one of the biggest questions may be whether any Democrats join with Republicans to clear him of charges. There is strong political significance.Three Democratic senators hailing from states where Trump remains popular — Doug Jones of Alabama, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona — remained quiet over the weekend about their intentions.They were among the 47 Democratic and independent senators who voted unsuccessfully to extend Trump’s trial by summoning additional witnesses.If one or more of the Democratic senators votes to acquit Trump — even voting against one article of impeachment while supporting the other — it could alienate some Democratic voters, mark their legacies and let Trump spend his reelection campaign asserting that he was cleared by a bipartisan vote.Manchin indicated to reporters Friday he probably won’t decide his vote “until walking in” to the chamber on Wednesday.Jones has said he will announce his decision prior to Wednesday’s vote, making sure he gets it “right.” Sinema hasn’t indicated when she will signal her intentions.WHAT WILL TRUMP SAY?Trump gives his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, and with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., perched behind him during his prime-time address, the White House has been coy as to whether Trump will reference the impeachment trial.Trump “is gratified the Senate will set a schedule for his acquittal as quickly as possible. We do not believe that schedule interferes with his ability to deliver a strong, confident State of the Union,” White House aide Eric Ueland said Friday.A year ago, Trump made no direct reference to his shutdown of government spurred by a dispute with Democrats over border wall funding in the speech he eventually delivered to Congress. He used his address to call for a “new era of cooperation.”Still, there were plenty of subtle digs at the time, including when Trump warned those gathered against pursuing “foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous partisan investigations.”THE FINAL VOTEIt’s similarly unclear whether Trump could express regret or remorse over his Ukraine actions, though senators aren’t holding their breath.The vote to convict or acquit Trump is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST Wednesday.Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee was among several Republicans last Friday who voted to block additional witnesses and draw the trial to a close, even though he and others described Trump’s actions as “inappropriate” and “wrong.” Asked Sunday if he would want to hear Trump express regret, as President Bill Clinton did after his impeachment trial, Alexander said he doesn’t need to hear it.“What I hope he would do is when he makes his State of the Union address, that he puts this completely behind him, never mentions it, and talks about what he thinks he’s done for the country and where we’re headed,” Alexander told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”Alexander and other Republicans said that even if Trump committed offenses charged by the House, they are not impeachable — especially in an election year. They say voters should make that determination in November.That leaves Trump’s fate still hanging in the balance.A NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released Sunday found majorities of American voters believe that Trump abused his power and obstructed Congress, but split largely among party lines over whether he should be removed from office.The poll, conducted Jan. 26-29, found 46% of registered voters believed Trump should be removed from office as a result of the trial, vs. 49% who said he should remain — basically unchanged from a 48-48 split in December.NOT OVER YET?An acquittal for Trump on Wednesday wouldn’t mean the end of the Ukraine matter in other respects.Both Pelosi and Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, the lead impeachment manager, haven’t ruled out the possibility of compelling former national security adviser John Bolton to testify in the House should Trump be acquitted.In an unpublished manuscript, Bolton has written that the president asked him during an Oval Office meeting in early May to bolster his effort to get Ukraine to investigate Democrats, according to a person who read the passage and told The Associated Press; Trump denies that. Bolton also wrote that Trump said he wanted to maintain a freeze on military assistance to Ukraine until it aided the political investigations. His book is due out in March. Senators ultimately voted against hearing his testimony.“This is in the Senate now,” Pelosi told reporters last week. “We’ll see what happens after that.”Republicans, for their part, aren’t pledging to fully close the case, either. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he planned to call Joe Biden as part of the congressional oversight process into possible corruption in Ukraine.___

🎥 Impeachment trial: Closing arguments begin

BARTON COUNTY —A busy Friday resulted in four arrests by the Barton County Sheriff's Office along with&nbsp; a quarter pound of of methamphetamine being seized as well as the discovery of illegal weapons.

According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, an ongoing investigation resulted in a traffic stop being made Friday in 1200 block of Fry Street In Great Bend where 25-year old Eric Duerksen was arrested at the scene. Duerksen had an outstanding no bond warrant for a probation violation and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm and was also a registered offender for violent crimes.

Duerksen was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was charged with two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm and corrections violation. Duerksen is being held in lieu of a $300,000 bond for the weapons and distribution charges and no bond on the corrections violation.

Deputies then proceeded to the 300 block of West K4 Highway just west of Hoisington and executed their second search warrant of the day. Once Deputies gained entry to the rural residence without incident, they discovered a substantial amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They also discovered juvenile children in the residence.

&nbsp;Erin Burton, 33, of rural Hoisington was arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail on distribution of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, aggravated endangerment of a child, criminal possession of a firearm and distribution of methamphetamine. Burton is being held in lieu of a $300,000 bond. Four juveniles were taken into protective custody.

But the day wasn't over yet. At 3:45 PM deputies executed the third search warrant of the day in the 2200 block of 25th St. in Great Bend where they found a sawed-off shotgun, methamphetamine and stolen property.&nbsp; Garrett Sigmund, 18, of Stafford was arrested for a corrections violation from the Barton County District Court as well as possession of methamphetamine. Sigmund is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond on the possession charge and no bond on the corrections violation.

Also arrested was 40-year old Christopher Stamm of Great Bend. Stamm was arrested for two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Stamm posted a $50,000 bond and was released. He was out on bond for previous drug charges at the time of his arrest Friday.

In all, approximately a quarter of a pound of methamphetamine and several illegal firearms were removed from the streets.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the rural Hoisington location by the Juvenile Justice Authority.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580605857380.jpeg" alt="Deputies on the scene of the drug investigation photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene of the drug investigation photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —A busy Friday resulted in four arrests by the Barton County Sheriff's Office along with&nbsp; a quarter pound of of methamphetamine being seized as well as the discovery of illegal weapons.According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, an ongoing investigation resulted in a traffic stop being made Friday in 1200 block of Fry Street In Great Bend where 25-year old Eric Duerksen was arrested at the scene. Duerksen had an outstanding no bond warrant for a probation violation and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm and was also a registered offender for violent crimes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580606001489.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Duerksen was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was charged with two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm and corrections violation. Duerksen is being held in lieu of a $300,000 bond for the weapons and distribution charges and no bond on the corrections violation.Deputies then proceeded to the 300 block of West K4 Highway just west of Hoisington and executed their second search warrant of the day. Once Deputies gained entry to the rural residence without incident, they discovered a substantial amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They also discovered juvenile children in the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580605913050.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Erin Burton, 33, of rural Hoisington was arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail on distribution of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, aggravated endangerment of a child, criminal possession of a firearm and distribution of methamphetamine. Burton is being held in lieu of a $300,000 bond. Four juveniles were taken into protective custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580606054273.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But the day wasn't over yet. At 3:45 PM deputies executed the third search warrant of the day in the 2200 block of 25th St. in Great Bend where they found a sawed-off shotgun, methamphetamine and stolen property.&nbsp; Garrett Sigmund, 18, of Stafford was arrested for a corrections violation from the Barton County District Court as well as possession of methamphetamine. Sigmund is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond on the possession charge and no bond on the corrections violation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580606083929.jpeg" alt="Stamm.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Stamm.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Also arrested was 40-year old Christopher Stamm of Great Bend. Stamm was arrested for two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Stamm posted a $50,000 bond and was released. He was out on bond for previous drug charges at the time of his arrest Friday.In all, approximately a quarter of a pound of methamphetamine and several illegal firearms were removed from the streets.The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the rural Hoisington location by the Juvenile Justice Authority.

Kan. deputies catch 4 suspects, seize drugs and weapons

Take a look at petroglyphs with Salina's Smoky Hill Museum.

Join all three authors of the newly published book, Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills, as they share amazing photos from their book. 

The presentation is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Smoky Hill Museum, 211 West Iron Avenue, and is open to the public at no charge.

What is a petroglyph? It’s a connection to people long since gone. It’s a message we try to decipher and understand. It’s a carving in rock. They’ll discuss what’s known about the petroglyphs and what the carvings can tell us about the early people of Kansas.

Rex Buchanan is director emeritus of the KS Geological Survey, an editor, author, and presenter. Burke Griggs is a fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment, associate professor, author, and scholar. Josh Svaty is a fifth-generation farmer, former KS secretary of agriculture and is actively engaged in natural resource issues. All three will be happy to sign copies of their book after the presentation.

The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina. This free museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, be sure to stop by the museum store for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork, and gifts for all ages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580494291851.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>Take a look at petroglyphs with Salina's Smoky Hill Museum.Join all three authors of the newly published book, Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills, as they share amazing photos from their book. The presentation is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Smoky Hill Museum, 211 West Iron Avenue, and is open to the public at no charge.What is a petroglyph? It’s a connection to people long since gone. It’s a message we try to decipher and understand. It’s a carving in rock. They’ll discuss what’s known about the petroglyphs and what the carvings can tell us about the early people of Kansas.Rex Buchanan is director emeritus of the KS Geological Survey, an editor, author, and presenter. Burke Griggs is a fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment, associate professor, author, and scholar. Josh Svaty is a fifth-generation farmer, former KS secretary of agriculture and is actively engaged in natural resource issues. All three will be happy to sign copies of their book after the presentation.The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina. This free museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, be sure to stop by the museum store for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork, and gifts for all ages.

Petroglyphs topic of next museum presentation

Today is Sunday, Feb. 2, the 33rd day of 2020. There are 333 days left in the year.

On Feb. 2, 1653, New Amsterdam — now New York City — was incorporated.

In 1876, the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs was formed in New York.

In 1887, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, held its first Groundhog Day festival.

In 1913, New York City's rebuilt Grand Central Terminal officially opened to the public at one minute past midnight.

In 1922, the James Joyce novel "Ulysses" was published in Paris on Joyce's 40th birthday.

In 1925, the legendary Alaska Serum Run ended as the last of a series of dog mushers brought a life-saving treatment to Nome, the scene of a diphtheria epidemic, six days after the drug left Nenana.

In 1942, a Los Angeles Times column by W.H. Anderson urged security measures against Japanese-Americans, arguing that a Japanese-American "almost inevitably ... grows up to be a Japanese, not an American."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Sunday, Feb. 2, the 33rd day of 2020. There are 333 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 2, 1653, New Amsterdam — now New York City — was incorporated.On this date:In 1876, the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs was formed in New York.In 1887, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, held its first Groundhog Day festival.In 1913, New York City's rebuilt Grand Central Terminal officially opened to the public at one minute past midnight.In 1922, the James Joyce novel "Ulysses" was published in Paris on Joyce's 40th birthday.In 1925, the legendary Alaska Serum Run ended as the last of a series of dog mushers brought a life-saving treatment to Nome, the scene of a diphtheria epidemic, six days after the drug left Nenana.In 1942, a Los Angeles Times column by W.H. Anderson urged security measures against Japanese-Americans, arguing that a Japanese-American "almost inevitably ... grows up to be a Japanese, not an American."In 1943, the remainder of Nazi forces from the Battle of Stalingrad surrendered in a major victory for the Soviets in World War II.In 1971, Idi Amin, having seized power in Uganda, proclaimed himself president.In 1980, NBC News reported the FBI had conducted a sting operation targeting members of Congress using phony Arab businessmen in what became known as "Abscam," a codename protested by Arab-Americans.In 1988, President Ronald Reagan pressed his case for additional aid to the Nicaraguan Contras a day ahead of a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. (The three major broadcast TV networks declined to carry the speech, which was covered by CNN; a divided House voted to reject Reagan's request for $36.2 million in new aid.)In 1990, in a dramatic concession to South Africa's black majority, President F.W. de Klerk lifted a ban on the African National Congress and promised to free Nelson Mandela.In 2002, inside the World Economic Forum in New York, foreign economic leaders criticized the United States for protectionist policies while outside, thousands of protesters demonstrated against global capitalism.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, speaking in Nashua, New Hampshire, branded Republicans as electoral opportunists more concerned about their own interests than the people's. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its 2009 Oscar nominees; in a first, 10 films were nominated for best picture instead of five, including eventual winner "The Hurt Locker."Five years ago: President Barack Obama sent Congress a record $4 trillion budget that would boost tax credits for families and the working poor but also raise taxes on the wealthy. Parts of New England were buried in heavy snow for the second time in a week, with up to 18 inches falling in the Boston area. Jury selection in the trial of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was postponed, and a celebration for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots was pushed back a day.One year ago: Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam pledged to remain in office after disavowing a blatantly racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. A day after the United States abandoned a 1987 nuclear arms treaty, President Vladimir Putin said Russia would do the same, but would only deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles if Washington did so.Today's Birthdays: Former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing is 94. Comedian Tom Smothers is 83. Rock singer-guitarist Graham Nash is 78. Television executive Barry Diller is 78. Actor Bo Hopkins is 76. Country singer Howard Bellamy (The Bellamy Brothers) is 74. TV chef Ina Garten is 72. Actor Jack McGee is 71. Actor Brent Spiner is 71. Rock musician Ross Valory (Journey) is 71. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is 68. The former president of South Korea, Park Geun-hye, is 68. Model Christie Brinkley is 66. Actor Michael Talbott is 65. Actress Kim Zimmer is 65. Actor Michael T. Weiss is 58. Actor-comedian Adam Ferrara is 54. Rock musician Robert DeLeo (Army of Anyone; Stone Temple Pilots) is 54. Actress Jennifer Westfeldt is 50. Rock musician Ben Mize is 49. Rapper T-Mo is 48. Actress Marissa Jaret Winokur is 47. Actress Lori Beth Denberg is 44. Rock musician Jesse Siebenberg (Lukas Nelson &amp; Promise of the Real) is 44. Singer Shakira is 43. Actor Rich Sommer is 42. Country singer Blaine Larsen is 34. Actress Zosia Mamet is 32.Thought for Today: "Mistakes are the portals of discovery." — James Joyce (1882-1941).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.