ELLSWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former employee of a rural Kansas water system pleaded guilty to closing down the system. Twenty-two-year-old Wyatt Travnichek pleaded guilty Wednesday to shutting down the Post Rock Rural Water District in Ellsworth in March 2019. 

Prosecutors said Travnichek told investigators he was too intoxicated to remember what happened. A plea agreement calls for him to be sentenced to a year in jail. The system supplies water for about 1,500 customers in central Kansas. 

Travnichek worked for the district before quitting in January 2019. In March 2019, he shut down the system using a shared pass code that allowed remote access to software that controls the plant.

ELLSWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former employee of a rural Kansas water system pleaded guilty to closing down the system. Twenty-two-year-old Wyatt Travnichek pleaded guilty Wednesday to shutting down the Post Rock Rural Water District in Ellsworth in March 2019. Prosecutors said Travnichek told investigators he was too intoxicated to remember what happened. A plea agreement calls for him to be sentenced to a year in jail. The system supplies water for about 1,500 customers in central Kansas. Travnichek worked for the district before quitting in January 2019. In March 2019, he shut down the system using a shared pass code that allowed remote access to software that controls the plant.

Ex-employee faces jail time for shutting down rural Kan. water system

KANSAS CITY —The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;Oranienburg infections linked to whole, fresh onions, according to a media release from the agency.

FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing but has identified ProSource Inc. (also known as ProSource Produce, LLC) of Hailey, Idaho as a source of potentially contaminated whole, fresh onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico.

Epidemiological data collected by investigators from the CDC and state and local partners identified 20 illness clusters at restaurants where onions were served. Information from these clusters shows that many ill people ate raw onions. Investigators worked to identify a common food item eaten by all of the sick people in an effort to identify the source of the outbreak.

State officials collected food items from some of the restaurants where sick people ate. The outbreak strain of&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;Oranienburg was found in a sample taken from a takeout condiment cup containing cilantro and lime. The sick person reported that the condiment container also contained onions, but none were left in the cup when it was tested. Because multiple food items were present in the container and in the sample that was tested, it is not possible to know which food item was contaminated.

FDA’s traceback investigation identified ProSource Inc. as a common supplier for many of the restaurants that sick people reported eating at, including the restaurant where the sample from the condiment cup containing cilantro, lime, and previously onions, was collected.

The FDA continues to conduct its traceback investigation to determine if additional products or suppliers have been affected. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

ProSource Inc. has agreed to voluntarily recall red, yellow, and white onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, MX, with import dates from July 1, 2021 through August 27, 2021. Descriptions of these onion types include, but are not limited to, jumbo, colossal, medium, and sweet onions. Additional recall information will be made public as soon as it is available from ProSource Inc.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634830825034.png" alt="Illness per state-FDA&nbsp; map" />
 <figcaption>Illness per state-FDA&nbsp; map</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;Oranienburg infections linked to whole, fresh onions, according to a media release from the agency.FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing but has identified ProSource Inc. (also known as ProSource Produce, LLC) of Hailey, Idaho as a source of potentially contaminated whole, fresh onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico.Epidemiological data collected by investigators from the CDC and state and local partners identified 20 illness clusters at restaurants where onions were served. Information from these clusters shows that many ill people ate raw onions. Investigators worked to identify a common food item eaten by all of the sick people in an effort to identify the source of the outbreak.State officials collected food items from some of the restaurants where sick people ate. The outbreak strain of&nbsp;Salmonella&nbsp;Oranienburg was found in a sample taken from a takeout condiment cup containing cilantro and lime. The sick person reported that the condiment container also contained onions, but none were left in the cup when it was tested. Because multiple food items were present in the container and in the sample that was tested, it is not possible to know which food item was contaminated.FDA’s traceback investigation identified ProSource Inc. as a common supplier for many of the restaurants that sick people reported eating at, including the restaurant where the sample from the condiment cup containing cilantro, lime, and previously onions, was collected.The FDA continues to conduct its traceback investigation to determine if additional products or suppliers have been affected. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.<h2>Recall Information</h2>ProSource Inc. has agreed to voluntarily recall red, yellow, and white onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, MX, with import dates from July 1, 2021 through August 27, 2021. Descriptions of these onion types include, but are not limited to, jumbo, colossal, medium, and sweet onions. Additional recall information will be made public as soon as it is available from ProSource Inc.

Onions recalled: Salmonella illness in, Mo., Kan. and 35 other states

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The University of Missouri-Columbia has suspended all fraternity activities after an alcohol-filled party ended with a freshman being taken to a hospital.

An initial investigation found that several members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity were believed to have consumed significant amounts of alcohol during the party, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/after-freshman-taken-to-hospital-mizzou-suspends-all-fraternity-activities/article_c233800c-64b5-5724-8950-60060147fc42.html#tracking-source=home-trending">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported.

No other details were available, including the condition of the student, who was found unresponsive early Wednesday.

A crowd of about 200 people gathered late Wednesday outside the Phi Gamma Delta house, with some chanting “Stop the hazing. We want justice,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-ifc-halt-all-fraternity-activities-after-suspected-alcohol-poisoning/article_82bb25dc-31fa-11ec-9a3e-936876fec79a.html">The Columbia Missourian</a>&nbsp;reported.

“Hazing has gone on for too long, and it shouldn’t take someone almost dying for the university to do something about it,” one student, Olivia Sommer, said.

Besides the clampdown on fraternity social events, the university's Phi Gamma Delta chapter also has been suspended temporarily. The suspension was ordered by the university and the fraternity’s national organization.

The fraternity's national president and spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press on Thursday seeking comment.

The Missouri University Police Department and the Office of Student Accountability &amp; Support also continue to investigate.

“We are extremely concerned about the events that were occurring at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity,” Bill Stackman, vice chancellor for Student Affairs at the Columbia campus, said in a statement.

He said there would be a thorough review of the methods put in place to ensure safety at fraternity events

“As part of the investigations, we will hold anyone accountable who is found to have willfully ignored or violated university regulations," he said. “Those individuals could also face criminal charges.”

Conner Sibley, Mizzou’s Greek council president and a senior at the school, said in a statement that the group is “in agreement with the actions being taken by the university," adding that “nothing is more important than the safety of the Mizzou community.”

The suspension follows warnings last month for students to be aware of suspected drugged drinks on the Columbia campus. The warnings came after the institution’s office for Civil Rights &amp; Title IX received multiple reports of people suspecting that drinks were drugged at locations throughout Columbia, including some who may have been at fraternity social events.

Campus police and the Columbia Police Department were investigating those cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634824378338.png" alt="A crowd of about 200 people gathered late Wednesday outside the Phi Gamma Delta house, with some chanting “Stop the hazing. We want justice." photo courtesy KMOU TV" />
 <figcaption>A crowd of about 200 people gathered late Wednesday outside the Phi Gamma Delta house, with some chanting “Stop the hazing. We want justice." photo courtesy KMOU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The University of Missouri-Columbia has suspended all fraternity activities after an alcohol-filled party ended with a freshman being taken to a hospital.An initial investigation found that several members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity were believed to have consumed significant amounts of alcohol during the party, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/after-freshman-taken-to-hospital-mizzou-suspends-all-fraternity-activities/article_c233800c-64b5-5724-8950-60060147fc42.html#tracking-source=home-trending">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported.No other details were available, including the condition of the student, who was found unresponsive early Wednesday.A crowd of about 200 people gathered late Wednesday outside the Phi Gamma Delta house, with some chanting “Stop the hazing. We want justice,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-ifc-halt-all-fraternity-activities-after-suspected-alcohol-poisoning/article_82bb25dc-31fa-11ec-9a3e-936876fec79a.html">The Columbia Missourian</a>&nbsp;reported.“Hazing has gone on for too long, and it shouldn’t take someone almost dying for the university to do something about it,” one student, Olivia Sommer, said.Besides the clampdown on fraternity social events, the university's Phi Gamma Delta chapter also has been suspended temporarily. The suspension was ordered by the university and the fraternity’s national organization.The fraternity's national president and spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press on Thursday seeking comment.The Missouri University Police Department and the Office of Student Accountability &amp; Support also continue to investigate.“We are extremely concerned about the events that were occurring at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity,” Bill Stackman, vice chancellor for Student Affairs at the Columbia campus, said in a statement.He said there would be a thorough review of the methods put in place to ensure safety at fraternity events“As part of the investigations, we will hold anyone accountable who is found to have willfully ignored or violated university regulations," he said. “Those individuals could also face criminal charges.”Conner Sibley, Mizzou’s Greek council president and a senior at the school, said in a statement that the group is “in agreement with the actions being taken by the university," adding that “nothing is more important than the safety of the Mizzou community.”The suspension follows warnings last month for students to be aware of suspected drugged drinks on the Columbia campus. The warnings came after the institution’s office for Civil Rights &amp; Title IX received multiple reports of people suspecting that drinks were drugged at locations throughout Columbia, including some who may have been at fraternity social events.Campus police and the Columbia Police Department were investigating those cases.

Mizzou suspends fraternity activities after student hospitalized

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order that details how picketing workers at the Deere &amp; Co. plant in Davenport must conduct themselves.

In seeking the injunction Wednesday, Deere officials alleged that striking workers had disrupted access to the Davenport Works plant and put others at risk.

District Court Judge Marlita Greve ordered the union to allow only four picketers at a time near the gates of the plant. The order also banned the use of chairs and barrel fires, and prohibited picketers from harassing or intimidating people entering and leaving the plant.

Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company sought the injunction to provide a safe environment for contractors and employees, including those participating in the strike.

The injunction prohibits picketing or congregating “near the Contractor Gate entrance,” which is regarded a neutral gate that cannot be picketed, according to Deere.

The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">went on strike&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract. Contract negotiations have resumed.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack met with striking workers Wednesday at Deere’s plant in Ankeny. Vilsack told the union workers that he stood with them, noting the UAW had long supported him in his political career, WHO-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://who13.com/news/tom-vilsack-repays-support-to-uaw-members-with-visit-to-john-deere-picket-line/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

A contract would cover 10,000 striking workers at 14 Deere plants, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV" />
 <figcaption>The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order that details how picketing workers at the Deere &amp; Co. plant in Davenport must conduct themselves.In seeking the injunction Wednesday, Deere officials alleged that striking workers had disrupted access to the Davenport Works plant and put others at risk.District Court Judge Marlita Greve ordered the union to allow only four picketers at a time near the gates of the plant. The order also banned the use of chairs and barrel fires, and prohibited picketers from harassing or intimidating people entering and leaving the plant.Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company sought the injunction to provide a safe environment for contractors and employees, including those participating in the strike.The injunction prohibits picketing or congregating “near the Contractor Gate entrance,” which is regarded a neutral gate that cannot be picketed, according to Deere.The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">went on strike&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract. Contract negotiations have resumed.U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack met with striking workers Wednesday at Deere’s plant in Ankeny. Vilsack told the union workers that he stood with them, noting the UAW had long supported him in his political career, WHO-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://who13.com/news/tom-vilsack-repays-support-to-uaw-members-with-visit-to-john-deere-picket-line/" target="_blank">reported</a>.A contract would cover 10,000 striking workers at 14 Deere plants, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.

Restraining order: Strike at Deere plants moves into 2nd week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 20-year-old Kansas City man has pleaded guilty to killing another man during a struggle last year.

Thorne McKendrick pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Michael Brown outside an east Kansas City home, according to the Jackson County prosecutor's office.

McKendrick’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Brown was shot to death on Aug. 1, 2020. Security video showed Brown and McKendrick were struggling over a gun when McKendrick shot him, according to court records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598024632194.png" alt="McKendrick photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>McKendrick photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 20-year-old Kansas City man has pleaded guilty to killing another man during a struggle last year.Thorne McKendrick pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Michael Brown outside an east Kansas City home, according to the Jackson County prosecutor's office.McKendrick’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 28.Brown was shot to death on Aug. 1, 2020. Security video showed Brown and McKendrick were struggling over a gun when McKendrick shot him, according to court records.

20-year-old enters plea to killing outside Kansas City home

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.

The Food and Drug Administration’s decisions mark a big step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month. But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel Thursday before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.

The latest moves would expand by tens of millions the number of Americans eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots — making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination.

Specifically, the FDA authorized a third Moderna shot for seniors and others at high risk from COVID-19 because of their health problems, jobs or living conditions — six months after their last shot. One big change: Moderna’s booster will be half the dose that’s used for the first two shots, based on company data showing that was plenty to rev up immunity again.

For J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said all U.S. recipients, no matter their age, could get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.

The FDA rulings differ because the vaccines are made differently, with different dosing schedules — and the J&amp;J vaccine has consistently shown a lower level of effectiveness than either of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

As for mixing and matching, the FDA said it’s OK to use any brand for the booster regardless of which vaccination people got first. The interchangeability of the shots is expected to speed the booster campaign, particularly in nursing homes and other institutional settings where residents have received different shots over time.

FDA’s acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said the agency wanted to make its booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand they first received. In other cases, some people may want to try a different vaccine if they previously experienced common side effects like muscle ache or chills.

Still, regulators said it’s likely many people will stick with the same vaccine brand.

The decision was based on preliminary results from a government study of different booster combinations that showed an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies. That study also showed recipients of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccination had a far bigger response if they got a full-strength Moderna booster or a Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J shot. The study didn’t test the half-dose Moderna booster.

Health authorities stress that the priority still is getting first shots to about 65 million eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated. But the booster campaign is meant to shore up protection against the virus amid signs that vaccine effectiveness is waning against mild infections, even though all three brands continue to protect against hospitalization and death.

“Today the currently available data suggest waning immunity in some populations of fully vaccinated people,” Woodcock told reporters. “The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”

The Moderna booster decision essentially matches FDA’s ruling that high-risk groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is made with the same technology.

FDA recommended that everyone who’d gotten the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine get a booster since it has consistently shown lower protection than its two-shot rivals. And several independent FDA advisers who backed the booster decision suggested J&amp;J’s vaccine should have originally been designed to require two doses.

Experts continue to debate the rationale of the booster campaign. Some warn that the U.S. government hasn’t clearly articulated the goals of boosters given that the shots continue to head off the worst effects of COVID-19, and wonder if the aim is to tamp down on virus spread by curbing, at least temporarily, milder infections.

FDA’s top vaccine official suggested regulators would move quickly to expand boosters to lower age groups, such as people in their 40s and 50s, if warranted.

“We are watching this very closely and will take action as appropriate to make sure that the maximum protection is provided to the population,” said FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks.

In August, the Biden administration announced plans for an across-the-board booster campaign aimed at all U.S. adults, but outside experts have repeatedly argued against such a sweeping effort.

On Thursday an influential panel convened by the CDC is expected to offer more specifics on who should get boosters and when. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the CDC director.

The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while about 15 million have received the J&amp;J vaccine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Wednesday signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rou7tf4vaUU?start=414" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Food and Drug Administration’s decisions mark a big step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign, which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month. But before more people roll up their sleeves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel Thursday before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.The latest moves would expand by tens of millions the number of Americans eligible for boosters and formally allow “mixing and matching” of shots — making it simpler to get another dose, especially for people who had a side effect from one brand but still want the proven protection of vaccination.Specifically, the FDA authorized a third Moderna shot for seniors and others at high risk from COVID-19 because of their health problems, jobs or living conditions — six months after their last shot. One big change: Moderna’s booster will be half the dose that’s used for the first two shots, based on company data showing that was plenty to rev up immunity again.For J&amp;J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said all U.S. recipients, no matter their age, could get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.The FDA rulings differ because the vaccines are made differently, with different dosing schedules — and the J&amp;J vaccine has consistently shown a lower level of effectiveness than either of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.As for mixing and matching, the FDA said it’s OK to use any brand for the booster regardless of which vaccination people got first. The interchangeability of the shots is expected to speed the booster campaign, particularly in nursing homes and other institutional settings where residents have received different shots over time.FDA’s acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said the agency wanted to make its booster guidance as flexible as possible, given that many people don’t remember which brand they first received. In other cases, some people may want to try a different vaccine if they previously experienced common side effects like muscle ache or chills.Still, regulators said it’s likely many people will stick with the same vaccine brand.The decision was based on preliminary results from a government study of different booster combinations that showed an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies. That study also showed recipients of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccination had a far bigger response if they got a full-strength Moderna booster or a Pfizer booster rather than a second J&amp;J shot. The study didn’t test the half-dose Moderna booster.Health authorities stress that the priority still is getting first shots to about 65 million eligible Americans who remain unvaccinated. But the booster campaign is meant to shore up protection against the virus amid signs that vaccine effectiveness is waning against mild infections, even though all three brands continue to protect against hospitalization and death.“Today the currently available data suggest waning immunity in some populations of fully vaccinated people,” Woodcock told reporters. “The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”The Moderna booster decision essentially matches FDA’s ruling that high-risk groups are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which is made with the same technology.FDA recommended that everyone who’d gotten the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine get a booster since it has consistently shown lower protection than its two-shot rivals. And several independent FDA advisers who backed the booster decision suggested J&amp;J’s vaccine should have originally been designed to require two doses.Experts continue to debate the rationale of the booster campaign. Some warn that the U.S. government hasn’t clearly articulated the goals of boosters given that the shots continue to head off the worst effects of COVID-19, and wonder if the aim is to tamp down on virus spread by curbing, at least temporarily, milder infections.FDA’s top vaccine official suggested regulators would move quickly to expand boosters to lower age groups, such as people in their 40s and 50s, if warranted.“We are watching this very closely and will take action as appropriate to make sure that the maximum protection is provided to the population,” said FDA’s Dr. Peter Marks.In August, the Biden administration announced plans for an across-the-board booster campaign aimed at all U.S. adults, but outside experts have repeatedly argued against such a sweeping effort.On Thursday an influential panel convened by the CDC is expected to offer more specifics on who should get boosters and when. Their recommendations are subject to approval by the CDC director.The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while about 15 million have received the J&amp;J vaccine.___

🎥 FDA answers questions after approval to mix COVID vaccines

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann introduced legislation to honor the memory of Fr. Emil Kapaun and asked members to support his bill to designate the post office in Herrington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building."

"Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him."

Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan and American hero.

H.R. 2044 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp; and will be sent to the U.S. Senate for final passage.

Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1993, the Catholic church named him a “Servant of God,” which began the lengthy process of canonization.

Funeral services for Rev. Emil Kapaun were held last month, decades after the priest from Pilsen, Kansas, died while ministering to fellow prisoners of war. He was interred at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.. Kapuan's remains were identified in March and returned to his Kansas family Sept. 21. The Roman Catholic Church is considering Kapaun for sainthood.

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann introduced legislation to honor the memory of Fr. Emil Kapaun and asked members to support his bill to designate the post office in Herrington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him. Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan &amp; American hero. <a href="https://t.co/3PnLtcCXaE">pic.twitter.com/3PnLtcCXaE</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1450919724221673473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Father Emil Kapaun was a man of God who served Jesus and his country honorably. Today, the House passed my resolution to rename the Herrington, KS post office after him."Looking forward to its swift passage in the Senate, commemorating the life of a great Kansan and American hero.H.R. 2044 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp; and will be sent to the U.S. Senate for final passage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951." />
 <figcaption>Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1993, the Catholic church named him a “Servant of God,” which began the lengthy process of canonization.Funeral services for Rev. Emil Kapaun were held last month, decades after the priest from Pilsen, Kansas, died while ministering to fellow prisoners of war. He was interred at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.. Kapuan's remains were identified in March and returned to his Kansas family Sept. 21. The Roman Catholic Church is considering Kapaun for sainthood.

🎥 U.S. House passes resolution to honor revered Kansas priest

DENT COUNTY —A :Missouri woman died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Dent County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Cavalier driven by Susie M. Depriest, 74, Salem, was eastbound on Highway C three miles west of Highway 72.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the car on a curve. The car slid off the road, struck a culvert, overturned and the driver was ejected.

Depriest ws pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Salem. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DENT COUNTY —A :Missouri woman died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday in Dent County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Cavalier driven by Susie M. Depriest, 74, Salem, was eastbound on Highway C three miles west of Highway 72.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the car on a curve. The car slid off the road, struck a culvert, overturned and the driver was ejected.Depriest ws pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Salem. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dies after ejected when car overturns

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison for the sexual abuse of his stepson, according to District Attorney Mike Kagy.

Steven Dale Dishner, 46,&nbsp; will be eligible to see the parole board after serving 25 years.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In July of 2017, the Topeka Police Department was contacted in reference to Dishner sexually abusing his stepson, who was 10 at the time of the report. 

The abuse was alleged to have occurred in 2011 and 2012. Dishner was arrested and charged in 2018. He was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy in October of 2018. However, in September of 2020 the Kansas Court of Appeals found that there was an error in the jury instructions during the first trial and the conviction was overturned. 

The case was then returned to district court for a new trial. Dishner was again convicted after a jury trial in September of 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634744229557.png" alt="Dishner KBI offener registry" />
 <figcaption>Dishner KBI offener registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison for the sexual abuse of his stepson, according to District Attorney Mike Kagy.Steven Dale Dishner, 46,&nbsp; will be eligible to see the parole board after serving 25 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;In July of 2017, the Topeka Police Department was contacted in reference to Dishner sexually abusing his stepson, who was 10 at the time of the report. The abuse was alleged to have occurred in 2011 and 2012. Dishner was arrested and charged in 2018. He was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy in October of 2018. However, in September of 2020 the Kansas Court of Appeals found that there was an error in the jury instructions during the first trial and the conviction was overturned. The case was then returned to district court for a new trial. Dishner was again convicted after a jury trial in September of 2021.

Kansas man sentenced for sex crimes involving 10-year-old

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old Lawrence man is charged with several felonies after an accidental shooting killed a toddler. Bishop Mendoza was charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter and three other felonies.

Officers responding to a shooting report at a Lawrence home on Sept. 17 found a 2-year-old critically wounded. 

The child, Legend King, later died. Police said at the time the shooting appeared to be accidental. Court records indicate Mendoza is also accused of endangering a nearly 4-year-old child who was in the home at the time. Police have not released details of how the shooting happened.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632512725788.png" alt="Mendoza-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Mendoza-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old Lawrence man is charged with several felonies after an accidental shooting killed a toddler. Bishop Mendoza was charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter and three other felonies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631914210754.png" alt="Police at the scene of the fatal shooting investigation-photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the fatal shooting investigation-photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers responding to a shooting report at a Lawrence home on Sept. 17 found a 2-year-old critically wounded. The child, Legend King, later died. Police said at the time the shooting appeared to be accidental. Court records indicate Mendoza is also accused of endangering a nearly 4-year-old child who was in the home at the time. Police have not released details of how the shooting happened.

Kansas man charged in shooting that killed toddler

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Christian boarding school is suing to stop state officials from implementing new regulations that were put in place following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">long-running abuse&nbsp;</a>at some unlicensed residential care facilities.

&nbsp;CNS International Ministries, also known as Heartland, filed the lawsuit in federal court last week against the Missouri Department of Social Services.

The legislation that is the focus of the lawsuit implements some government oversight over the state’s boarding schools for the first time. The schools, which had operated under the radar for decades, now must notify the state of their existence, conduct background checks on employees and comply with health and safety inspections.

Gov. Mike Parson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-michael-brown-0377a84c0cdf657eb2173f90cedb0c30">signed the measure into law</a>&nbsp;in July after an emotional outcry from lawmakers, child advocates and former students who said the state desperately needed some oversight.

The suit alleges the new law violates numerous constitutional rights, including restricting Heartland from forming an “association of those who share a common commitment to education, addiction recovery and religious faith.” And it says the statute violates the federal constitutional rights of students, their families and faculty and staff.

A spokeswoman for DSS did not immediately respond to The Star’s request for comment Tuesday.

Rep. Rudy Veit, R-Wardsville, one of the sponsors of the new law, said he was “surprised and disappointed” at Heartland’s lawsuit. During the legislative process, lawmakers attempted to address all concerns raised by Heartland, Veit said.

“History has shown that we cannot leave these types of institutions totally unregulated with the problems we’ve seen in the recent ones and the abuse the children have endured,” he said. “Heartland may be a perfectly great school, great institution, and may do many good things, but we cannot assure that for every entity. And that’s why we need some oversight.”

Heartland provides full-time residential services to men, women and children with behavioral problems or those who suffer from alcohol or drug dependencies. The facility also operates a school that serves the children of those in its recovery program, as well as its employees’ children.

Heartland has fought regulations in the past, including nearly two decades ago when the school, its founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9c73b00280b34ab8838d2361545ae05f">Charles Sharpe&nbsp;</a>and backers thwarted all legislative attempts to regulate unlicensed boarding schools.

Several lawsuits also were filed over a 2001 raid at the school, which is located in a remote area of northeastern Missouri about 170 miles (275 kilometers) northwest of St. Louis. The raid happened amid reports of spankings and allegations that misbehaving students were forced to stand in hip-deep manure. Sharpe strongly denied the abuse claims, saying unruly kids were made to shovel manure but never stand in it.

Students were allowed to return days after the raid. Five employees were charged but all were either acquitted or had charges dropped.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634745172496.png" alt="Gov. Parson signed the bill in July- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Parson signed the bill in July- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Christian boarding school is suing to stop state officials from implementing new regulations that were put in place following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fe24ade3e378bfb53796a0af7cd71deb">long-running abuse&nbsp;</a>at some unlicensed residential care facilities.&nbsp;CNS International Ministries, also known as Heartland, filed the lawsuit in federal court last week against the Missouri Department of Social Services.The legislation that is the focus of the lawsuit implements some government oversight over the state’s boarding schools for the first time. The schools, which had operated under the radar for decades, now must notify the state of their existence, conduct background checks on employees and comply with health and safety inspections.Gov. Mike Parson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-michael-brown-0377a84c0cdf657eb2173f90cedb0c30">signed the measure into law</a>&nbsp;in July after an emotional outcry from lawmakers, child advocates and former students who said the state desperately needed some oversight.The suit alleges the new law violates numerous constitutional rights, including restricting Heartland from forming an “association of those who share a common commitment to education, addiction recovery and religious faith.” And it says the statute violates the federal constitutional rights of students, their families and faculty and staff.A spokeswoman for DSS did not immediately respond to The Star’s request for comment Tuesday.Rep. Rudy Veit, R-Wardsville, one of the sponsors of the new law, said he was “surprised and disappointed” at Heartland’s lawsuit. During the legislative process, lawmakers attempted to address all concerns raised by Heartland, Veit said.“History has shown that we cannot leave these types of institutions totally unregulated with the problems we’ve seen in the recent ones and the abuse the children have endured,” he said. “Heartland may be a perfectly great school, great institution, and may do many good things, but we cannot assure that for every entity. And that’s why we need some oversight.”Heartland provides full-time residential services to men, women and children with behavioral problems or those who suffer from alcohol or drug dependencies. The facility also operates a school that serves the children of those in its recovery program, as well as its employees’ children.Heartland has fought regulations in the past, including nearly two decades ago when the school, its founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9c73b00280b34ab8838d2361545ae05f">Charles Sharpe&nbsp;</a>and backers thwarted all legislative attempts to regulate unlicensed boarding schools.Several lawsuits also were filed over a 2001 raid at the school, which is located in a remote area of northeastern Missouri about 170 miles (275 kilometers) northwest of St. Louis. The raid happened amid reports of spankings and allegations that misbehaving students were forced to stand in hip-deep manure. Sharpe strongly denied the abuse claims, saying unruly kids were made to shovel manure but never stand in it.Students were allowed to return days after the raid. Five employees were charged but all were either acquitted or had charges dropped.

Christian boarding school sues over new Mo. oversight law

WASHINGTON (AP) — Children ages 5 to 11 will soon be able to get a COVID-19 shot at their pediatrician’s office, local pharmacy and potentially even their school, the White House said Wednesday as it detailed plans for the expected authorization of the Pfizer shot for elementary school youngsters in a matter of weeks.

Federal regulators will meet over the next two weeks to weigh the safety and effectiveness of giving low-dose shots to the roughly 28 million children in that age group.

Within hours of formal approval, which is expected after the Food and Drug Administration signs off and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel meets on Nov. 2-3, millions of doses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-coronavirus-vaccine-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-84ff9189e142536f90940366bcfa3f22">will begin going out to providers across the country</a>, along with the smaller needles needed for injecting young children.

Within days of that, the vaccine will be ready to go into arms on a wide scale.

“We’re completing the operational planning to ensure vaccinations for kids ages 5 to 11 are available, easy and convenient,” White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said. “We’re going to be ready, pending the FDA and CDC decision.”

The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses three weeks apart and a two-week wait for full protection to kick in, meaning the first youngsters in line will be fully covered by Christmas.

Dr. Sterling Ransone said his rural Deltaville, Virginia, office is already getting calls from people asking for appointments for their children and saying, “I want my shot now.”

“Judging by the number of calls, I think we’re going to be slammed for the first several weeks,” said Ransone, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Justin Shady, a film and TV writer in Chicago, said his 6-year-old daughter, Grey, got nervous when he told her she would be getting the shots soon. But he is bribing her with a trip to Disney World, and “she’s all in.”

The family likes to travel, “we really just want to get back in the swing of seeing the world,” Shady said.

As for youngsters under 5, Pfizer and Moderna are studying their vaccines in children down to 6 months old, with results expected later in the year.

The Biden administration noted that the expansion of shots to children under 12 will not look like the start of the country’s vaccine rollout 10 months ago, when limited doses and inadequate capacity meant a painstaking wait for many Americans.

The country now has ample supplies of the Pfizer shot to vaccinate the children who will soon be eligible, officials said, and they have been working for months to ensure widespread availability of shots. About 15 million doses will be shipped to providers across the U.S. in the first week after approval, the White House said.

More than 25,000 pediatricians and primary care providers have already signed on to dispense the vaccine to elementary school children, the White House said, in addition to the tens of thousands of drugstores that are already administering shots to adults.

Hundreds of school- and community-based clinics will also be funded and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help speed the process.

The White House is also preparing a stepped-up campaign to educate parents and children about the safety of the shots and the ease of getting them. As has been the case for adult vaccinations, the administration believes trusted messengers — educators, doctors and community leaders — will be vital to encouraging vaccinations.

Dr. Lisa Reed, medical director for family medicine at MAHEC, a western North Carolina safety net provider that serves patients from rural Appalachia and more urban communities such as the tourist town of Asheville, said it is going to take effort to get some families on board.

Reed said she lives “in a community that has a lot of vaccine hesitancy, unfortunately.”

“Some have lower health literacy or belong to ethnic groups that are more hesitant in general” because of a history of mistrust, she said. And Asheville, she said, has a sizeable population of well-educated adults who are longtime vaccine skeptics.

While children run a lower risk than older people of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, at least 637 people age 18 or under have died from the virus in the U.S., according to the CDC. Six million U.S. children been infected, 1 million of them since early September amid the spread of the more contagious delta variant, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.

Health officials believe that expanding the vaccine drive will not only curb the alarming number of infections in children but also reduce the spread of the virus to vulnerable adults. It could also help schools stay open and youngsters get back on track academically, and contribute to the nation’s broader recovery from the pandemic.

“COVID has also disrupted our kids’ lives. It’s made school harder, it’s disrupted their ability to see friends and family, it’s made youth sports more challenging,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told NBC. “Getting our kids vaccinated, we have the prospect of protecting them, but also getting all of those activities back that are so important to our children.”

Murthy said the administration, which is imposing vaccine mandates for millions of adults, is leaving it up to state and local officials to decide whether to require schoolchildren to get vaccinated. But he said such measures would be “a reasonable thing to consider.”

“It’s also consistent with what we’ve done for other childhood vaccines, like measles, mumps, polio,” he said.

The U.S. has purchased 65 million doses of the Pfizer pediatric shot, which is expected to be one-third the dose given to adults and adolescents, according to officials. They will be shipped in smaller packages of about 100 doses each, so that more providers can deliver them, and they won’t require the super-cold storage that the adult version did at first.

About 219 million Americans age 12 and up, or 66% of the total population, have received a COVID-19 shot, and nearly 190 million are fully vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634737018344.png" alt="“We’re completing the operational planning to ensure vaccinations for kids ages 5-11 are available, easy and convenient,” said White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients on Wednesday-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>“We’re completing the operational planning to ensure vaccinations for kids ages 5-11 are available, easy and convenient,” said White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients on Wednesday-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Children ages 5 to 11 will soon be able to get a COVID-19 shot at their pediatrician’s office, local pharmacy and potentially even their school, the White House said Wednesday as it detailed plans for the expected authorization of the Pfizer shot for elementary school youngsters in a matter of weeks.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rWMGuplSq4o?start=1647" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Federal regulators will meet over the next two weeks to weigh the safety and effectiveness of giving low-dose shots to the roughly 28 million children in that age group.Within hours of formal approval, which is expected after the Food and Drug Administration signs off and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel meets on Nov. 2-3, millions of doses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-coronavirus-vaccine-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-84ff9189e142536f90940366bcfa3f22">will begin going out to providers across the country</a>, along with the smaller needles needed for injecting young children.Within days of that, the vaccine will be ready to go into arms on a wide scale.“We’re completing the operational planning to ensure vaccinations for kids ages 5 to 11 are available, easy and convenient,” White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said. “We’re going to be ready, pending the FDA and CDC decision.”The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses three weeks apart and a two-week wait for full protection to kick in, meaning the first youngsters in line will be fully covered by Christmas.Some parents can hardly wait.Dr. Sterling Ransone said his rural Deltaville, Virginia, office is already getting calls from people asking for appointments for their children and saying, “I want my shot now.”“Judging by the number of calls, I think we’re going to be slammed for the first several weeks,” said Ransone, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.Justin Shady, a film and TV writer in Chicago, said his 6-year-old daughter, Grey, got nervous when he told her she would be getting the shots soon. But he is bribing her with a trip to Disney World, and “she’s all in.”The family likes to travel, “we really just want to get back in the swing of seeing the world,” Shady said.As for youngsters under 5, Pfizer and Moderna are studying their vaccines in children down to 6 months old, with results expected later in the year.The Biden administration noted that the expansion of shots to children under 12 will not look like the start of the country’s vaccine rollout 10 months ago, when limited doses and inadequate capacity meant a painstaking wait for many Americans.The country now has ample supplies of the Pfizer shot to vaccinate the children who will soon be eligible, officials said, and they have been working for months to ensure widespread availability of shots. About 15 million doses will be shipped to providers across the U.S. in the first week after approval, the White House said.More than 25,000 pediatricians and primary care providers have already signed on to dispense the vaccine to elementary school children, the White House said, in addition to the tens of thousands of drugstores that are already administering shots to adults.Hundreds of school- and community-based clinics will also be funded and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help speed the process.The White House is also preparing a stepped-up campaign to educate parents and children about the safety of the shots and the ease of getting them. As has been the case for adult vaccinations, the administration believes trusted messengers — educators, doctors and community leaders — will be vital to encouraging vaccinations.Dr. Lisa Reed, medical director for family medicine at MAHEC, a western North Carolina safety net provider that serves patients from rural Appalachia and more urban communities such as the tourist town of Asheville, said it is going to take effort to get some families on board.Reed said she lives “in a community that has a lot of vaccine hesitancy, unfortunately.”“Some have lower health literacy or belong to ethnic groups that are more hesitant in general” because of a history of mistrust, she said. And Asheville, she said, has a sizeable population of well-educated adults who are longtime vaccine skeptics.While children run a lower risk than older people of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, at least 637 people age 18 or under have died from the virus in the U.S., according to the CDC. Six million U.S. children been infected, 1 million of them since early September amid the spread of the more contagious delta variant, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.Health officials believe that expanding the vaccine drive will not only curb the alarming number of infections in children but also reduce the spread of the virus to vulnerable adults. It could also help schools stay open and youngsters get back on track academically, and contribute to the nation’s broader recovery from the pandemic.“COVID has also disrupted our kids’ lives. It’s made school harder, it’s disrupted their ability to see friends and family, it’s made youth sports more challenging,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told NBC. “Getting our kids vaccinated, we have the prospect of protecting them, but also getting all of those activities back that are so important to our children.”Murthy said the administration, which is imposing vaccine mandates for millions of adults, is leaving it up to state and local officials to decide whether to require schoolchildren to get vaccinated. But he said such measures would be “a reasonable thing to consider.”“It’s also consistent with what we’ve done for other childhood vaccines, like measles, mumps, polio,” he said.The U.S. has purchased 65 million doses of the Pfizer pediatric shot, which is expected to be one-third the dose given to adults and adolescents, according to officials. They will be shipped in smaller packages of about 100 doses each, so that more providers can deliver them, and they won’t require the super-cold storage that the adult version did at first.About 219 million Americans age 12 and up, or 66% of the total population, have received a COVID-19 shot, and nearly 190 million are fully vaccinated.___

 🎥COVID response team's plan to vaccinate children ages 5-11

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Republican state Rep. Tom Hannegan died Wednesday of a stroke at age 51, his campaign treasurer said.

“The community has suffered a great loss,” said Hannegan’s campaign treasurer, Scott Mell.

Voters elected Hannegan, of St. Charles, to the state House in 2016. He was one of few openly gay Missouri lawmakers.

Hannegan advocated for criminal justice reform and human rights, and he proposed a ban on discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Hannegan was also an associate real estate broker and and publisher and editor in chief of a local magazine called StreetScape Magazine.

Republican House leaders in a joint statement said they're “deeply saddened” by Hannegan's death and described him as “a strong person of conviction in these chambers, a truly wonderful person and a dedicated public servant who will be greatly missed.”

“Tom will forever be remembered for his determination to serve those in need, as well as his great love for all people,” House leaders said. "We extend our thoughts and prayers to the many friends and family who loved Tom. He will be greatly missed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634759887160.png" alt=" Rep. Tom Hannegan courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Tom Hannegan courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Republican state Rep. Tom Hannegan died Wednesday of a stroke at age 51, his campaign treasurer said.“The community has suffered a great loss,” said Hannegan’s campaign treasurer, Scott Mell.Voters elected Hannegan, of St. Charles, to the state House in 2016. He was one of few openly gay Missouri lawmakers.Hannegan advocated for criminal justice reform and human rights, and he proposed a ban on discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.Hannegan was also an associate real estate broker and and publisher and editor in chief of a local magazine called StreetScape Magazine.Republican House leaders in a joint statement said they're “deeply saddened” by Hannegan's death and described him as “a strong person of conviction in these chambers, a truly wonderful person and a dedicated public servant who will be greatly missed.”“Tom will forever be remembered for his determination to serve those in need, as well as his great love for all people,” House leaders said. "We extend our thoughts and prayers to the many friends and family who loved Tom. He will be greatly missed.”

Missouri lawmaker Tom Hannegan dies of stroke at 51

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-18/kansas-defends-its-decision-to-redact-whole-pages-of-a-100-000-drug-spending-report">Kansas News Service</a>

A state agency is defending its blacking out of much of a report 
commissioned with tax dollars. It says it was accommodating a contractor
 that argued the redactions were needed to protect trade secrets.

The
 report is an audit of prescription drug spending for state employees, 
their families and retirees. When the Kansas News Service asked for a 
copy, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-01/kansas-hid-parts-of-a-100k-audit-of-drug-spending-experts-say-the-state-went-too-far" target="_blank">the state provided a heavily redacted version</a>.

That
 decision came under fire on Monday. Some members of the seven-person 
board that oversees the state health insurance plan questioned why 
details of the audit should be kept from public view.

“That seems crazy to me,” Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said. “It doesn’t seem right.”

Another member of the panel noted that tax dollars paid for the audit.

“So going forward,” state employee Rebekah Gaston said, “are there ways that we can make this more transparent?”

Law
 professors who reviewed the redactions for the Kansas News Service 
struggled to understand why the state would consider it legal to shield 
the information. The state said it was protecting trade secrets.

But
 many of the blacked-out details — such as the number of prescriptions 
the plan covered in 2019 — are available in other public documents, 
including on the state’s own website. (The Kansas News Service was able 
to view some of the obscured content because the redactions were done 
incorrectly and the text beneath the black boxes remained accessible.) 

Officials at the Kansas Department of Administration said they had followed standard procedures.

But
 they also shifted some of the responsibility onto the authors of the 
$100,000 report, a private auditing firm called PillarRx.

PillarRx
 considered its report confidential, a lawyer for the Department of 
Administration said. The department gave the firm the option of 
redacting it, and the firm did so.

So PillarRx sent a redacted 
version to the department, but the department felt the redactions went 
too far, said John Yeary, the Kansas Department of Administration’s 
chief counsel.

“So we pushed back,” he said. “And they came back with (a new version that) was ultimately provided” to the Kansas News Service.

In that version, large swaths and even whole pages of the report on $160 million in state spending on medications remain blacked out.

Schmidt took issue with the department’s explanation.

“We
 just can’t take (PillarRx’s) word for it when they say that it is 
proprietary,” she said. “We have some due diligence as a state.”

The
 head of the Kansas Department of Administration, Secretary DeAngela 
Burns-Wallace, said her agency’s lawyers did just that. (She is also a 
member of the oversight board, the Health Care Commission.)

“The 
very first version that the company provided, the legal team went back 
and said, ‘No, we disagree. And we need you to take an additional look.’
 And so what was finally released is actually a different version than 
the initial one. So they did do that due diligence. ...

“We can agree to disagree on if they could have done more,” she said, “if you felt that something else should have been done.”

Schmidt asked Yeary, the department’s lawyer, if he stands by the redactions.

“I
 won’t say I completely 100% agree with PillarRx on what they view as a 
trade secret or proprietary and confidential,” he said. “I do feel like,
 that our approach in responding as an agency where there are interests 
on both sides was appropriate.”

PillarRx declined an interview 
request from the Kansas News Service to discuss any aspect of the audit 
and didn’t have a representative at Monday’s board meeting.

The 
audit was commissioned to check the work of CVS Health. CVS is the 
state’s pharmacy benefit manager, meaning it processes prescription drug
 claims.

Experts say the audit <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-01/kansas-audited-its-80-million-cvs-prescription-plan-but-its-still-shrouded-in-mystery" target="_blank">failed to answer</a> key questions about whether CVS saves the state money or contributes to high drug costs.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634740640130.png" alt="Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-18/kansas-defends-its-decision-to-redact-whole-pages-of-a-100-000-drug-spending-report">Kansas News Service</a>A state agency is defending its blacking out of much of a report 
commissioned with tax dollars. It says it was accommodating a contractor
 that argued the redactions were needed to protect trade secrets.The
 report is an audit of prescription drug spending for state employees, 
their families and retirees. When the Kansas News Service asked for a 
copy, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-01/kansas-hid-parts-of-a-100k-audit-of-drug-spending-experts-say-the-state-went-too-far" target="_blank">the state provided a heavily redacted version</a>.That
 decision came under fire on Monday. Some members of the seven-person 
board that oversees the state health insurance plan questioned why 
details of the audit should be kept from public view.“That seems crazy to me,” Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said. “It doesn’t seem right.”Another member of the panel noted that tax dollars paid for the audit.“So going forward,” state employee Rebekah Gaston said, “are there ways that we can make this more transparent?”Law
 professors who reviewed the redactions for the Kansas News Service 
struggled to understand why the state would consider it legal to shield 
the information. The state said it was protecting trade secrets.But
 many of the blacked-out details — such as the number of prescriptions 
the plan covered in 2019 — are available in other public documents, 
including on the state’s own website. (The Kansas News Service was able 
to view some of the obscured content because the redactions were done 
incorrectly and the text beneath the black boxes remained accessible.) Officials at the Kansas Department of Administration said they had followed standard procedures.But
 they also shifted some of the responsibility onto the authors of the 
$100,000 report, a private auditing firm called PillarRx.PillarRx
 considered its report confidential, a lawyer for the Department of 
Administration said. The department gave the firm the option of 
redacting it, and the firm did so.So PillarRx sent a redacted 
version to the department, but the department felt the redactions went 
too far, said John Yeary, the Kansas Department of Administration’s 
chief counsel.“So we pushed back,” he said. “And they came back with (a new version that) was ultimately provided” to the Kansas News Service.In that version, large swaths and even whole pages of the report on $160 million in state spending on medications remain blacked out.Schmidt took issue with the department’s explanation.“We
 just can’t take (PillarRx’s) word for it when they say that it is 
proprietary,” she said. “We have some due diligence as a state.”The
 head of the Kansas Department of Administration, Secretary DeAngela 
Burns-Wallace, said her agency’s lawyers did just that. (She is also a 
member of the oversight board, the Health Care Commission.)“The 
very first version that the company provided, the legal team went back 
and said, ‘No, we disagree. And we need you to take an additional look.’
 And so what was finally released is actually a different version than 
the initial one. So they did do that due diligence. ...“We can agree to disagree on if they could have done more,” she said, “if you felt that something else should have been done.”Schmidt asked Yeary, the department’s lawyer, if he stands by the redactions.“I
 won’t say I completely 100% agree with PillarRx on what they view as a 
trade secret or proprietary and confidential,” he said. “I do feel like,
 that our approach in responding as an agency where there are interests 
on both sides was appropriate.”PillarRx declined an interview 
request from the Kansas News Service to discuss any aspect of the audit 
and didn’t have a representative at Monday’s board meeting.The 
audit was commissioned to check the work of CVS Health. CVS is the 
state’s pharmacy benefit manager, meaning it processes prescription drug
 claims.Experts say the audit <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-10-01/kansas-audited-its-80-million-cvs-prescription-plan-but-its-still-shrouded-in-mystery" target="_blank">failed to answer</a> key questions about whether CVS saves the state money or contributes to high drug costs.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Kan. defends decision to redact pages of drug spending report

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,121 to a total of 426,923, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 15 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,185.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,121 to a total of 426,923, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 15 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,185.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634749192521.png" alt="Wednesday October 20,2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday October 20,2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 2,100 new cases, 15 more COVID deaths

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man from Overland Park, Kansas, was sentenced Tuesday to 19 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies in Kansas City and Grandview, Missouri, three years ago.

U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs sentenced 28-year-old Joshua West, who pleaded guilty in April to robbery and firearms charges.

Federal prosecutors say that during July and August in 2018, West robbed a CVS Pharmacy, a Sprint store and the Phone Shack in Kansas City.

In Grandview, he tried to rob a T-Mobile store but a manager was able to lock him out before he could enter. Prosecutors say West pointed a gun at the at manager before walking away.

A short time later, West robbed a Grandview AT&amp;T store and ordered two workers and a customer into a back room. Another customer called 911, and West was arrested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619644605432.png" alt="West photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>West photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man from Overland Park, Kansas, was sentenced Tuesday to 19 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies in Kansas City and Grandview, Missouri, three years ago.U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs sentenced 28-year-old Joshua West, who pleaded guilty in April to robbery and firearms charges.Federal prosecutors say that during July and August in 2018, West robbed a CVS Pharmacy, a Sprint store and the Phone Shack in Kansas City.In Grandview, he tried to rob a T-Mobile store but a manager was able to lock him out before he could enter. Prosecutors say West pointed a gun at the at manager before walking away.A short time later, West robbed a Grandview AT&amp;T store and ordered two workers and a customer into a back room. Another customer called 911, and West was arrested.

Man sentenced for armed robberies in Missouri, Kansas

PARK HILL, Mo. (AP) — The superintendent of a suburban Kansas City school district where a small group of students posted a petition online&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-missouri-slavery-suburbs-4b17e517b411b8ddc4a417aecc769473">calling for the return of slavery&nbsp;</a>has announced that she will step down next summer.

The Park Hill, Missouri, school district announced Tuesday in a news release that Jeanette Cowherd asked the school board not to extend her contract. It expires on June 30.

Cowherd, who was selected to lead the district in 2015, said in a statement that she wants “nothing but the best for Park Hill, now and in the future."

District officials said she “does not know what her next steps will be, but she is looking forward to new opportunities with the flexibility to spend more time with her family and friends.”

The Park Hill district had a student population of 11,767 this school year, of which about 12.7% were Black. And the slavery petition put mounting pressure on district officials to improve diversity and inclusion in schools.

Cowherd and other officials have met with students, families, the NAACP and other groups to hear community concerns. And they say work is ongoing, and will result in a plan to “address access and inclusion with measurable outcomes.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Officials in a suburban Kansas City school district are investigating after a small group of students posted a petition online calling for the return of slavery.

The petition came to light last week after the students at Park Hill South High School posted it during a school-related activity, officials said.

Further details about the number of students involved, the specific language of the petition or what might have prompted it were not being released because it is a discipline issue, district spokeswoman Nicole Kirby said Wednesday.

Jeanette Cowherd, superintendent of the Park Hill School District, said in a letter to the community Wednesday that the district does not tolerate discrimination or harassment and has specific policies addressing any violations, which could result in a suspension or expulsion.

The district also has a policy on civility that prohibits attacks against people based on factors such as race, gender, religion, disability or other personal characteristics.

“I cannot share the specifics of any particular student's discipline but I can tell you that we follow our Board policy when disciplining students,” she wrote.

Kerrie Herren, principal of Park Hill South, said a student notified him of the petition last Thursday and school officials have been working since then to help students and staff who are upset by the incident.

PARK HILL, Mo. (AP) — The superintendent of a suburban Kansas City school district where a small group of students posted a petition online&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-missouri-slavery-suburbs-4b17e517b411b8ddc4a417aecc769473">calling for the return of slavery&nbsp;</a>has announced that she will step down next summer.The Park Hill, Missouri, school district announced Tuesday in a news release that Jeanette Cowherd asked the school board not to extend her contract. It expires on June 30.Cowherd, who was selected to lead the district in 2015, said in a statement that she wants “nothing but the best for Park Hill, now and in the future."District officials said she “does not know what her next steps will be, but she is looking forward to new opportunities with the flexibility to spend more time with her family and friends.”The Park Hill district had a student population of 11,767 this school year, of which about 12.7% were Black. And the slavery petition put mounting pressure on district officials to improve diversity and inclusion in schools.Cowherd and other officials have met with students, families, the NAACP and other groups to hear community concerns. And they say work is ongoing, and will result in a plan to “address access and inclusion with measurable outcomes.”---------KANSAS CITY (AP) — Officials in a suburban Kansas City school district are investigating after a small group of students posted a petition online calling for the return of slavery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632359737253.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>The petition came to light last week after the students at Park Hill South High School posted it during a school-related activity, officials said.Further details about the number of students involved, the specific language of the petition or what might have prompted it were not being released because it is a discipline issue, district spokeswoman Nicole Kirby said Wednesday.Jeanette Cowherd, superintendent of the Park Hill School District, said in a letter to the community Wednesday that the district does not tolerate discrimination or harassment and has specific policies addressing any violations, which could result in a suspension or expulsion.The district also has a policy on civility that prohibits attacks against people based on factors such as race, gender, religion, disability or other personal characteristics.“I cannot share the specifics of any particular student's discipline but I can tell you that we follow our Board policy when disciplining students,” she wrote.Kerrie Herren, principal of Park Hill South, said a student notified him of the petition last Thursday and school officials have been working since then to help students and staff who are upset by the incident.“I think that a large portion of our population is hurt, mad, outraged and confused and want to use it as way to make Park Hill South better," Herren said.The Park Hill district had a student population of 11,767 this school year, of which about 12.7% were Black. The district instituted an inclusion and equity council with teachers in 2015, which led to student focus groups and eventually a family advisory council on the issue.Terri Deayon, the district's director of access, inclusion and family engagement, said district and school officials have met with student groups and staff at Park Hill South and at LEAD Innovation Studio, a separate school on the Park Hill South campus that offers a different educational approach to students."I wholeheartedly believe we are in a situation that we are going to confront, restore and heal," Deayon said. “We will be better and we will take this and use it as an opportunity to improve.”