LANSING, Kansas. –Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Kaydin Varland-Hazelton, 28, died Saturday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 He was pronounced deceased by local hospital staff. 

Varland-Hazelton, was serving an 84-month sentence for several convictions of drug possessions and one count of battery in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, he had ten previous convictions dating back to crimes committed in 2018 including domestic battery, criminal threat, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy. A preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708362407660.png" alt="Varland-Hazelton following an arrest a March 2020 arrest in Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Varland-Hazelton following an arrest a March 2020 arrest in Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LANSING, Kansas. –Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Kaydin Varland-Hazelton, 28, died Saturday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was pronounced deceased by local hospital staff. Varland-Hazelton, was serving an 84-month sentence for several convictions of drug possessions and one count of battery in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, he had ten previous convictions dating back to crimes committed in 2018 including domestic battery, criminal threat, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy. A preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Kansas inmate with 10 convictions has died

Taylor Burks, a naval reserve officer and former Boone County clerk, says other candidates have ‘spent their career in Jefferson City’ and seat needs ‘somebody who has real world experience’

By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Boone County Republican said Monday he will emphasize national security experience, avoiding intra-party fights and that he actually lives in the district he wants to represent in a GOP primary for the 3rd Congressional District.

Taylor Burks of Hartsburg, a former Boone County clerk, became the third Republican seeking the nomination to replace U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer of St. Elizabeth, who in January&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/04/blaine-luetkemeyer-opts-out-of-another-term-in-congress/">announced his retirement</a>&nbsp;after eight terms in the House.

State Sen.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.myleaderpaper.com/news/mary-elizabeth-coleman-blaine-luetkemeyer-congress/article_66ce9328-b005-11ee-9ddd-3b93140c0157.html">Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Arnold</a>&nbsp;and former state Sen.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/former-republican-legislator-bob-onder-jumps-into-congressional-race/">Bob Onder of Lake St. Louis</a>&nbsp;have already announced they are running. Former state Sen. Kurt Schaefer, a Columbia Republican, is known to be considering the race.

Neither Coleman nor Onder live in the 3rd District. Members of Congress only have to live in the state they represent, not the district.

“It’s a fact that everybody who’s seriously looking at this race, has spent their career in Jefferson City, and I think it’s time that we elect somebody who has real world experience,” Burks said.

In a news release announcing his bid, Burks said Congress is hamstrung by politicians serving special interests instead of their constituents.

“I believe in the promise of the USA, and that our best days are ahead,” Burks said. “We face many challenges, but only if we move past the career politicians and the swamp that are sucking the soul of America.”

Burks’ family has been farming in Missouri for five generations, he said, and he grew up on his grandparents’ cattle farm. Burks is an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was stationed in Kuwait supporting military logistics during the Iraq War. He was appointed Boone County Clerk in 2017 but lost the post in the November 2018 election.

“I would be the first veteran to represent Missouri in Congress in 16 years, and I think that that’s a huge, huge factor when we’re looking at the state of the world today,” Burks said.

The district includes all or part of 16 counties, running from the Lake of the Ozarks to the Mississippi River. Almost half the population is in eastern and northern St. Charles County, the southern half of Boone County and the western half of Jefferson County.

Burks jumped into the 4th District race in 2021, after then-U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler announced a bid for Senate but before districts had been redrawn following the 2020 census. Boone County was split by state lawmakers, with the southern portion going into the 3rd District and the northern half in the 4th District.

Burks moved his residence to family property in north Boone County but wound up with only 10.1% of the vote.

With both of the announced candidates from the eastern side of the state, Burks said in an interview with The Independent that it is important for a central Missouri candidate to be in the race. He said he discussed the race with other prominent central Missouri Republicans, including Schaefer, before getting into the race.

Because none have announced, Burks said, he jumped in.

He was willing to step aside if another mid-Missouri candidate had come forward, he said.

“I also look at it that we have two major candidates who don’t live in the district and are carpetbagging into the third and are from the St. Louis area,” Burks said. “We’re a month and a half behind the other candidates.”

So far, 42 other U.S. House members have joined Luetkemeyer in saying they&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_U.S._Congress_incumbents_who_are_not_running_for_re-election_in_2024">will not seek new terms</a>. Of that number, 18 are seeking other offices and 25 are retiring, including three Republican committee chairmen who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-retirements-republican-chairs-1fa6864ba5ea80eb8dad88ddcc59cac8">announced last week</a>&nbsp;they are leaving.

In his two years as clerk, Burks said he had to work with Democrats to keep the office running smoothly.&nbsp;

This year, the House GOP majority has been wracked by factional fights, highlighted by the ouster of former&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/03/u-s-house-votes-to-remove-kevin-mccarthy-as-speaker/">Speaker Kevin McCarthy</a>. Onder, when he was in the Senate, was one of the key players in factional disputes with GOP leaders.&nbsp;

“Sending the insanity from Jefferson City to Washington D.C.,” Burks said, “doesn’t improve the dysfunction that we do see in the Republican Conference.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708388788686.png" alt=" Taylor Burks, a candidate for Congress from the 3rd Congressional District, speaks during 2022 at the Boone County Republican Lincoln Days in Columbia. He was a candidate in the 4th District in 2022 (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Taylor Burks, a candidate for Congress from the 3rd Congressional District, speaks during 2022 at the Boone County Republican Lincoln Days in Columbia. He was a candidate in the 4th District in 2022 (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Taylor Burks, a naval reserve officer and former Boone County clerk, says other candidates have ‘spent their career in Jefferson City’ and seat needs ‘somebody who has real world experience’</h2>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A Boone County Republican said Monday he will emphasize national security experience, avoiding intra-party fights and that he actually lives in the district he wants to represent in a GOP primary for the 3rd Congressional District.Taylor Burks of Hartsburg, a former Boone County clerk, became the third Republican seeking the nomination to replace U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer of St. Elizabeth, who in January&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/04/blaine-luetkemeyer-opts-out-of-another-term-in-congress/">announced his retirement</a>&nbsp;after eight terms in the House.State Sen.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.myleaderpaper.com/news/mary-elizabeth-coleman-blaine-luetkemeyer-congress/article_66ce9328-b005-11ee-9ddd-3b93140c0157.html">Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Arnold</a>&nbsp;and former state Sen.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/former-republican-legislator-bob-onder-jumps-into-congressional-race/">Bob Onder of Lake St. Louis</a>&nbsp;have already announced they are running. Former state Sen. Kurt Schaefer, a Columbia Republican, is known to be considering the race.Neither Coleman nor Onder live in the 3rd District. Members of Congress only have to live in the state they represent, not the district.“It’s a fact that everybody who’s seriously looking at this race, has spent their career in Jefferson City, and I think it’s time that we elect somebody who has real world experience,” Burks said.In a news release announcing his bid, Burks said Congress is hamstrung by politicians serving special interests instead of their constituents.“I believe in the promise of the USA, and that our best days are ahead,” Burks said. “We face many challenges, but only if we move past the career politicians and the swamp that are sucking the soul of America.”Burks’ family has been farming in Missouri for five generations, he said, and he grew up on his grandparents’ cattle farm. Burks is an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was stationed in Kuwait supporting military logistics during the Iraq War. He was appointed Boone County Clerk in 2017 but lost the post in the November 2018 election.“I would be the first veteran to represent Missouri in Congress in 16 years, and I think that that’s a huge, huge factor when we’re looking at the state of the world today,” Burks said.The district includes all or part of 16 counties, running from the Lake of the Ozarks to the Mississippi River. Almost half the population is in eastern and northern St. Charles County, the southern half of Boone County and the western half of Jefferson County.Burks jumped into the 4th District race in 2021, after then-U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler announced a bid for Senate but before districts had been redrawn following the 2020 census. Boone County was split by state lawmakers, with the southern portion going into the 3rd District and the northern half in the 4th District.Burks moved his residence to family property in north Boone County but wound up with only 10.1% of the vote.With both of the announced candidates from the eastern side of the state, Burks said in an interview with The Independent that it is important for a central Missouri candidate to be in the race. He said he discussed the race with other prominent central Missouri Republicans, including Schaefer, before getting into the race.Because none have announced, Burks said, he jumped in.He was willing to step aside if another mid-Missouri candidate had come forward, he said.“I also look at it that we have two major candidates who don’t live in the district and are carpetbagging into the third and are from the St. Louis area,” Burks said. “We’re a month and a half behind the other candidates.”So far, 42 other U.S. House members have joined Luetkemeyer in saying they&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_U.S._Congress_incumbents_who_are_not_running_for_re-election_in_2024">will not seek new terms</a>. Of that number, 18 are seeking other offices and 25 are retiring, including three Republican committee chairmen who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-retirements-republican-chairs-1fa6864ba5ea80eb8dad88ddcc59cac8">announced last week</a>&nbsp;they are leaving.In his two years as clerk, Burks said he had to work with Democrats to keep the office running smoothly.&nbsp;This year, the House GOP majority has been wracked by factional fights, highlighted by the ouster of former&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/03/u-s-house-votes-to-remove-kevin-mccarthy-as-speaker/">Speaker Kevin McCarthy</a>. Onder, when he was in the Senate, was one of the key players in factional disputes with GOP leaders.&nbsp;“Sending the insanity from Jefferson City to Washington D.C.,” Burks said, “doesn’t improve the dysfunction that we do see in the Republican Conference.”

Another Republican joins race for Mo. 3rd District congressional seat

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Lansing Police Department are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found near a creek in Lansing, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, subjects were walking along a creek bed in the 900 block of N. Main Street in Lansing, when they found skeletal remains. They called 911, and officers from the Lansing Police Department responded to the area.

The identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. An autopsy has been scheduled.

If you have information about this case, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar"> Click here to submit</a> tips online anonymously online&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708379586107.png" alt="Near the 900 Block of N. Main where the remains were found-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Near the 900 Block of N. Main where the remains were found-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Lansing Police Department are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found near a creek in Lansing, according to a media release from the KBI.Just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, subjects were walking along a creek bed in the 900 block of N. Main Street in Lansing, when they found skeletal remains. They called 911, and officers from the Lansing Police Department responded to the area.The identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. An autopsy has been scheduled.If you have information about this case, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar"> Click here to submit</a> tips online anonymously online&nbsp;

KBI: Skeletal remains found in wooded area near Kansas creek

Legislation requires state treasurer to create secure bullion repositories

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Rep. Michael Murphy argued it was peculiar a bill had to be introduced in the Kansas Legislature to authorize use of gold and silver as legal tender for everyday expenditures within the framework of a state-created alternative to the U.S. dollar.

“These precious metals were used for thousands of years and indeed they backed our currency until 1973. Since then, fiat currency has been used with the U.S. dollar being the world’s reserve currency,” he said.

Murphy, a Republican from Sylvia located west of Hutchinson, told the House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee that the decision of the United States to step away from the “gold standard” and rely on printed dollars as the basis of currency contributed to inflation and economic instability.

Over the years, he said, people such as himself tried to bring “sanity and reality” back to the money supply, create financial security and a hedge against inflation by embracing a system based on gold and silver assets.

Technology advances opened a door for states to finally make use of precious metals as backing for electronic transactions, Murphy said. House Bill 2729 and Senate Bill 513, under consideration by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, would clear the way for electronic transactions within Kansas backed by gold and silver coins, rounds, bars or ingots that were minted domestically or in countries minted around the world.

No one could be compelled to accept silver or gold as legal tender in Kansas under the legislation, but it could be used to cover private debts, taxes and fees levied by the state or any political subdivision of the state.

The legislation — not acted upon Monday by either Senate or House committee — would forbid state taxation of exchanges in these precious metals, except in terms of a retirement account tied to the alternative currency. Under the Senate and House bills, no bullion would be characterized as personal property for taxation or regulatory purposes.

Murphy said the idea wasn’t radical nor did it have partisan overtones: “This is not a ‘left’ or ‘right’ issue. It is a Kansas issue.”

Alex Orel, representing the Kansas Bankers Association, said a state currency tied to bullion would be a complex and risky business that the state of Kansas should avoid.

“This is a lot more complicated than it may sound, as evidenced by the fact that no great platform currently exists. There are layers of security, processing speed, reliability and even customer service that all have to be perfected. The currency has to be usable and also not hackable,” he said.

Orel said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission warned “virtual currencies are commonly targeted by hackers and criminals who commit fraud. There is no assurance of recourse if your virtual currency is stolen.”

“The virtual currency world is still a wild west,” Orel said. “While virtual currency may be a risk that a savvy consumer feels safe taking on, is our state ready to assume that risk as well?”

He compared the idea of creating a state-by-state patchwork of currencies to the Civil War era when states established independent currencies and struggled to conduct trade.

State Treasurer Steven Johnson would be responsible for setting rules and regulations of state’s own currency system as well as development of state-controlled, vault-protected bullion depositories. Individuals, corporations and associations would be allowed to establish accounts in the Kansas depositories. In addition, the state’s Pooled Money Investment Board would be allowed to invest up to 20% of government assets in gold or silver.

“This bill raises many questions for our office, especially the cost to administer these programs,” said Johnson, who formally took a neutral position on the legislation. “We also have concerns about how this bill would interact with federal banking regulations and the potential to subject the state to federal regulatory agencies.”

He said storage and transaction issues associated with possessing gold and silver had potential to be costly to Kansas taxpayers given security precautions necessary to protect precious metals.

“We have consulted with other state treasurers who also have questions about similar proposals in their states. In addition to the concerns raised above, it is also likely there are unknowns that we have not contemplated,” Johnson said.

Michael Murray, executive director of the Kansas Credit Union Association, said the organization objected to the legislation. He said the concept of electronic currency backed by specie — precious metal coins or bars authorized by a sovereign entity — had been studied in other states.

However, he said, the proposal in the Kansas Legislature, if enacted, would be the first time currency was placed under control of one elected public official — the Kansas state treasurer.

“Concentration of such power with one government office is concerning and could see wide disparities in the handling of the currency depending on each election cycle,” Murray said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708369176830.png" alt=" Republican state Rep. Michael Murphy, far left, chats with advocates of bills introduced in the House and Senate to recognize gold and silver as legal tender that would be used to conduct electronic transactions. The bill also would require the state treasurer to establish a bullion repository. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Republican state Rep. Michael Murphy, far left, chats with advocates of bills introduced in the House and Senate to recognize gold and silver as legal tender that would be used to conduct electronic transactions. The bill also would require the state treasurer to establish a bullion repository. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation requires state treasurer to create secure bullion repositories</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Rep. Michael Murphy argued it was peculiar a bill had to be introduced in the Kansas Legislature to authorize use of gold and silver as legal tender for everyday expenditures within the framework of a state-created alternative to the U.S. dollar.“These precious metals were used for thousands of years and indeed they backed our currency until 1973. Since then, fiat currency has been used with the U.S. dollar being the world’s reserve currency,” he said.Murphy, a Republican from Sylvia located west of Hutchinson, told the House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee that the decision of the United States to step away from the “gold standard” and rely on printed dollars as the basis of currency contributed to inflation and economic instability.Over the years, he said, people such as himself tried to bring “sanity and reality” back to the money supply, create financial security and a hedge against inflation by embracing a system based on gold and silver assets.Technology advances opened a door for states to finally make use of precious metals as backing for electronic transactions, Murphy said. House Bill 2729 and Senate Bill 513, under consideration by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, would clear the way for electronic transactions within Kansas backed by gold and silver coins, rounds, bars or ingots that were minted domestically or in countries minted around the world.No one could be compelled to accept silver or gold as legal tender in Kansas under the legislation, but it could be used to cover private debts, taxes and fees levied by the state or any political subdivision of the state.The legislation — not acted upon Monday by either Senate or House committee — would forbid state taxation of exchanges in these precious metals, except in terms of a retirement account tied to the alternative currency. Under the Senate and House bills, no bullion would be characterized as personal property for taxation or regulatory purposes.Murphy said the idea wasn’t radical nor did it have partisan overtones: “This is not a ‘left’ or ‘right’ issue. It is a Kansas issue.”Alex Orel, representing the Kansas Bankers Association, said a state currency tied to bullion would be a complex and risky business that the state of Kansas should avoid.“This is a lot more complicated than it may sound, as evidenced by the fact that no great platform currently exists. There are layers of security, processing speed, reliability and even customer service that all have to be perfected. The currency has to be usable and also not hackable,” he said.Orel said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission warned “virtual currencies are commonly targeted by hackers and criminals who commit fraud. There is no assurance of recourse if your virtual currency is stolen.”“The virtual currency world is still a wild west,” Orel said. “While virtual currency may be a risk that a savvy consumer feels safe taking on, is our state ready to assume that risk as well?”He compared the idea of creating a state-by-state patchwork of currencies to the Civil War era when states established independent currencies and struggled to conduct trade.State Treasurer Steven Johnson would be responsible for setting rules and regulations of state’s own currency system as well as development of state-controlled, vault-protected bullion depositories. Individuals, corporations and associations would be allowed to establish accounts in the Kansas depositories. In addition, the state’s Pooled Money Investment Board would be allowed to invest up to 20% of government assets in gold or silver.“This bill raises many questions for our office, especially the cost to administer these programs,” said Johnson, who formally took a neutral position on the legislation. “We also have concerns about how this bill would interact with federal banking regulations and the potential to subject the state to federal regulatory agencies.”He said storage and transaction issues associated with possessing gold and silver had potential to be costly to Kansas taxpayers given security precautions necessary to protect precious metals.“We have consulted with other state treasurers who also have questions about similar proposals in their states. In addition to the concerns raised above, it is also likely there are unknowns that we have not contemplated,” Johnson said.Michael Murray, executive director of the Kansas Credit Union Association, said the organization objected to the legislation. He said the concept of electronic currency backed by specie — precious metal coins or bars authorized by a sovereign entity — had been studied in other states.However, he said, the proposal in the Kansas Legislature, if enacted, would be the first time currency was placed under control of one elected public official — the Kansas state treasurer.“Concentration of such power with one government office is concerning and could see wide disparities in the handling of the currency depending on each election cycle,” Murray said.

House, Senate bills seek use of gold and silver as Kan. legal tender for routine expenditures

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15, an Osage County Sheriff’s Department investigator conducted a traffic stop at 4th and Lincoln Street in Osage City for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, David A. Cannon, 39, of Osage City was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cannon has previous convictions for drug possession in Pratt County in 2019&nbsp; and interference with law enforcement in Stafford County in 2020, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708189073788.png" alt="Cannon-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Cannon-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.Just after 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15, an Osage County Sheriff’s Department investigator conducted a traffic stop at 4th and Lincoln Street in Osage City for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, David A. Cannon, 39, of Osage City was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.Cannon has previous convictions for drug possession in Pratt County in 2019&nbsp; and interference with law enforcement in Stafford County in 2020, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kansas felon caught transporting meth

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Correction: St. Francis Ministries will still operate in Kansas, outside of Sedgwick County. This story misstated the change. (Saint Francis will continue to serve two regions within Kansas. One region pertains to western Kansas (Area 1), while the other encompasses the north-central part of the state (Area 2). With the upcoming contract changes, all providers in the State of Kansas will serve no more than two catchment areas each).

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families has announced&nbsp;new contracts for foster care services in the state. St. Francis Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit accused of financial mismanagement, will not have its contract renewed.

In Sedgwick County, which accounts for approximately 20% of children in care statewide,&nbsp; EmberHope will replace Saint Francis Ministries starting in July. The new contracts will be in place from July 1 to June 30, 2028.&nbsp;

DCF Secretary Laura Howard said EmberHope would work to support children and families in the area.&nbsp;

“We believe our contracted partners are committed to a practice model that guides team members to engage families and create lifetime support networks,” Howard said.&nbsp;

The change comes after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/11/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-kansas-foster-care-officials-on-fraud-charges/">years of investigation</a>&nbsp;into St. Francis. In 2022, the former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries was indicted and accused of plotting to defraud the foster care provider of millions.&nbsp;Robert “Father Bobby” Smith&nbsp;was also accused of using Saint Francis credit cards to pay for personal expenses, including clothing and jewelry.

The state’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/15/kansas-continues-to-break-legal-promise-to-children-in-foster-care-system-report-shows/">longstanding foster care problems</a>&nbsp;— such as high numbers of children in the system sleeping in offices and social workers spending their time shuttling kids from place to place —&nbsp; include&nbsp;simple volume. The national rate of entry into foster care is 2.37 per 1,000 children, but the rate of entry in Kansas is 4.36 per 1,000 children, according to February 2023 data.

State contracts require caseworkers to maintain a maximum caseload of 25 to 30 children, but they frequently exceed that number. Data from 2021 showed 42% of Saint Francis Ministries caseworkers and 24% of KVC Kansas caseworkers were assigned more than 30 children. Saint Francis also had more than 100 children who were not assigned a caseworker.&nbsp;

Howard said the new contracts will adjust caseload standards for case managers, setting the rate at 12-15 cases of children in foster care or kinship care&nbsp; and eight cases of children in treatment foster care per manager.&nbsp;

As of Monday, DCF has 5,895 children in foster care, the smallest number of children in care since January 2014.

Case management providers, known as CMP, provide foster care services for families across the state.&nbsp;The current four contractors are TFI, KVC Kansas, Cornerstones of Care, and – until July – Saint Francis Ministries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660235142998.png" alt="Photo Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>Correction: St. Francis Ministries will still operate in Kansas, outside of Sedgwick County. This story misstated the change. (Saint Francis will continue to serve two regions within Kansas. One region pertains to western Kansas (Area 1), while the other encompasses the north-central part of the state (Area 2). With the upcoming contract changes, all providers in the State of Kansas will serve no more than two catchment areas each).TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families has announced&nbsp;new contracts for foster care services in the state. St. Francis Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit accused of financial mismanagement, will not have its contract renewed.In Sedgwick County, which accounts for approximately 20% of children in care statewide,&nbsp; EmberHope will replace Saint Francis Ministries starting in July. The new contracts will be in place from July 1 to June 30, 2028.&nbsp;DCF Secretary Laura Howard said EmberHope would work to support children and families in the area.&nbsp;“We believe our contracted partners are committed to a practice model that guides team members to engage families and create lifetime support networks,” Howard said.&nbsp;The change comes after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/11/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-kansas-foster-care-officials-on-fraud-charges/">years of investigation</a>&nbsp;into St. Francis. In 2022, the former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries was indicted and accused of plotting to defraud the foster care provider of millions.&nbsp;Robert “Father Bobby” Smith&nbsp;was also accused of using Saint Francis credit cards to pay for personal expenses, including clothing and jewelry.The state’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/15/kansas-continues-to-break-legal-promise-to-children-in-foster-care-system-report-shows/">longstanding foster care problems</a>&nbsp;— such as high numbers of children in the system sleeping in offices and social workers spending their time shuttling kids from place to place —&nbsp; include&nbsp;simple volume. The national rate of entry into foster care is 2.37 per 1,000 children, but the rate of entry in Kansas is 4.36 per 1,000 children, according to February 2023 data.State contracts require caseworkers to maintain a maximum caseload of 25 to 30 children, but they frequently exceed that number. Data from 2021 showed 42% of Saint Francis Ministries caseworkers and 24% of KVC Kansas caseworkers were assigned more than 30 children. Saint Francis also had more than 100 children who were not assigned a caseworker.&nbsp;Howard said the new contracts will adjust caseload standards for case managers, setting the rate at 12-15 cases of children in foster care or kinship care&nbsp; and eight cases of children in treatment foster care per manager.&nbsp;As of Monday, DCF has 5,895 children in foster care, the smallest number of children in care since January 2014.Case management providers, known as CMP, provide foster care services for families across the state.&nbsp;The current four contractors are TFI, KVC Kansas, Cornerstones of Care, and – until July – Saint Francis Ministries.

DCF ditches St. Francis Ministries for Kansas foster care case contracts

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford Focus driven by Jerry&nbsp;Anstey, 51, Alma, was northbound on Kansas 99 just south of SW 99 Frontage Road.

The car&nbsp;left the roadway to the right. The driver overcorrected and the car re-entered the roadway, rotated counterclockwise, crossed the centerline, exited the roadway to the left, struck the rock embankment on the passenger side in the west ditch and overturned.

Anstey was pronounced dead at at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford Focus driven by Jerry&nbsp;Anstey, 51, Alma, was northbound on Kansas 99 just south of SW 99 Frontage Road.The car&nbsp;left the roadway to the right. The driver overcorrected and the car re-entered the roadway, rotated counterclockwise, crossed the centerline, exited the roadway to the left, struck the rock embankment on the passenger side in the west ditch and overturned.Anstey was pronounced dead at at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after car strikes rock embankment, rolls

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels that damaged a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has forced the crew to abandon the vessel, authorities said Monday. Another ship reportedly came twice under attack in the Gulf of Aden.

The Iran-backed Houthis also claimed they shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, something not immediately acknowledged by U.S. forces in the region. However, the Houthis have downed U.S. drones before.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military said it was conducting new airstrikes targeting the rebels, including one that targeted the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthis-red-sea-eisenhower-carrier-yemen-ad3a711299759de23627f6daa17f45d6">Houthi underwater drone</a>&nbsp;seen since they began launching attacks on international shipping in November.

The ship targeted in the Houthi attack on Sunday reported sustaining damage after “an explosion in close proximity to the vessel,” the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported.

“Military authorities report crew have abandoned the vessel,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel at anchor and all crew are safe.”

Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a statement claiming the attack, saying the vessel later sunk.

There was no independent confirmation the vessel sank.

“The ship suffered catastrophic damages and came to a complete halt,” Saree said. “During the operation, we made sure that the ship’s crew exited safely.”

The private security firm Ambrey reported the British-registered, Lebanese-operated cargo ship had been on its way to Bulgaria after leaving Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates.

Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic.com analyzed by The Associated Press identified the vessel targeted as the Rubymar. Its Beirut-based manager could not be reached for comment.

The Houthis later also identified the ship as the Rubymar, as did the U.S. military's Central Command.

Central Command said the attack involved two anti-ship ballistic missiles, which saw one struck the Rubymar.

Ambrey described the ship as being partially laden with cargo, but it wasn't immediately clear what it had been carrying. The ship had turned off its Automatic Identification System tracker while in the Persian Gulf early this month.

Later Monday, the UKMTO and Ambrey said a second vessel came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. Ambrey described the vessel as a Greek-flagged, U.S.-owned bulk carrier bound for Aden, Yemen, and carrying grain from Argentina. The same ship then came under attack again, later in the day.

Those details, combined with ship-tracking data, identified the vessel as the Sea Champion. Its managers could not be immediately reached. The Houthis later claimed the attack, but instead said it targeted a second vessel other than the Sea Champion in that assault.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s war targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. They have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-missile-houthi-rebels-attack-bab-elmandeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e">Those vessels have included at least one with cargo for Iran</a>, its main benefactor.

In a separate attack, Saree also claimed that Houthi forces shot down an MQ-9 drone near Yemen's port city of Hodeida on the Red Sea. He offered no evidence for the claim.

The Houthi “air defenses were able to shoot down an American plane — MQ-9 — with a suitable missile while it was carrying out hostile missions against our country on behalf of the Zionist entity,” Saree said.

The U.S. military did not immediately confirm the loss of any drones in the region. However, the Houthis have surface-to-air missile systems capable of shooting down high-flying American drones. In November, the Pentagon acknowledged the loss of an MQ-9, shot down by the rebels over the Red Sea.

Since Yemen's Houthi rebels seized the country's north and its capital of Sanaa in 2014, the U.S. military has lost four drones to shootdowns by the rebels — in 2017, 2019 and this year.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military's Central Command reported it carried out five airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment. Those strikes targeted mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, an explosive-carrying drone boat and an “unmanned underwater vessel,” Central Command said.

“This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in Oct. 23,” Central Command said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703248865569.png" alt="photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels that damaged a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has forced the crew to abandon the vessel, authorities said Monday. Another ship reportedly came twice under attack in the Gulf of Aden.The Iran-backed Houthis also claimed they shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, something not immediately acknowledged by U.S. forces in the region. However, the Houthis have downed U.S. drones before.Meanwhile, the U.S. military said it was conducting new airstrikes targeting the rebels, including one that targeted the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthis-red-sea-eisenhower-carrier-yemen-ad3a711299759de23627f6daa17f45d6">Houthi underwater drone</a>&nbsp;seen since they began launching attacks on international shipping in November.The ship targeted in the Houthi attack on Sunday reported sustaining damage after “an explosion in close proximity to the vessel,” the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported.“Military authorities report crew have abandoned the vessel,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel at anchor and all crew are safe.”Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a statement claiming the attack, saying the vessel later sunk.There was no independent confirmation the vessel sank.“The ship suffered catastrophic damages and came to a complete halt,” Saree said. “During the operation, we made sure that the ship’s crew exited safely.”The private security firm Ambrey reported the British-registered, Lebanese-operated cargo ship had been on its way to Bulgaria after leaving Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates.Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic.com analyzed by The Associated Press identified the vessel targeted as the Rubymar. Its Beirut-based manager could not be reached for comment.The Houthis later also identified the ship as the Rubymar, as did the U.S. military's Central Command.Central Command said the attack involved two anti-ship ballistic missiles, which saw one struck the Rubymar.Ambrey described the ship as being partially laden with cargo, but it wasn't immediately clear what it had been carrying. The ship had turned off its Automatic Identification System tracker while in the Persian Gulf early this month.Later Monday, the UKMTO and Ambrey said a second vessel came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. Ambrey described the vessel as a Greek-flagged, U.S.-owned bulk carrier bound for Aden, Yemen, and carrying grain from Argentina. The same ship then came under attack again, later in the day.Those details, combined with ship-tracking data, identified the vessel as the Sea Champion. Its managers could not be immediately reached. The Houthis later claimed the attack, but instead said it targeted a second vessel other than the Sea Champion in that assault.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s war targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. They have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-missile-houthi-rebels-attack-bab-elmandeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e">Those vessels have included at least one with cargo for Iran</a>, its main benefactor.In a separate attack, Saree also claimed that Houthi forces shot down an MQ-9 drone near Yemen's port city of Hodeida on the Red Sea. He offered no evidence for the claim.The Houthi “air defenses were able to shoot down an American plane — MQ-9 — with a suitable missile while it was carrying out hostile missions against our country on behalf of the Zionist entity,” Saree said.The U.S. military did not immediately confirm the loss of any drones in the region. However, the Houthis have surface-to-air missile systems capable of shooting down high-flying American drones. In November, the Pentagon acknowledged the loss of an MQ-9, shot down by the rebels over the Red Sea.Since Yemen's Houthi rebels seized the country's north and its capital of Sanaa in 2014, the U.S. military has lost four drones to shootdowns by the rebels — in 2017, 2019 and this year.Meanwhile, the U.S. military's Central Command reported it carried out five airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment. Those strikes targeted mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, an explosive-carrying drone boat and an “unmanned underwater vessel,” Central Command said.“This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in Oct. 23,” Central Command said.

Iran-backed rebels using new weapon against U.S. warships in Red Sea

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations

Just after 1a.m. February 16, police responded to a shooting disturbance in the 2400 block of SE Colonial Drive in Topeka. in reference to a shooting disturbance, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

Officers found that a residence had been struck by gunfire, but no one was injured during this incident.

As the investigation continued, individuals were located who were believed to have been involved with the incident. These individuals were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives.

As a result of the investigation Adia M. Mithcell, 20, and Christopher E. Love, 19; both of Topeka, were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections where they were both booked on a requested charge of Criminal discharge of a firearm; recklessly at an occupied dwelling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708118492546.png" alt="Mitchell-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegationsJust after 1a.m. February 16, police responded to a shooting disturbance in the 2400 block of SE Colonial Drive in Topeka. in reference to a shooting disturbance, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Officers found that a residence had been struck by gunfire, but no one was injured during this incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708118555388.png" alt="Love photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Love photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As the investigation continued, individuals were located who were believed to have been involved with the incident. These individuals were brought to the Law Enforcement Center to speak with Detectives.As a result of the investigation Adia M. Mithcell, 20, and Christopher E. Love, 19; both of Topeka, were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections where they were both booked on a requested charge of Criminal discharge of a firearm; recklessly at an occupied dwelling.

Two suspects accused of shooting up a Kansas home

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a long-time Kansas City, Kansas business.

&nbsp;Just before 2p.m. Sunday, the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department was called to a fire at <a href="https://spanishgardensfoods.com/">Spanish Gardens Taco House</a>,&nbsp;2301 Metropolitan Avenue, according to a media release.

Firefighters initiated an interior fire attack, but conditions worsened and they decided to evacuate for their safety.&nbsp; Fire crews used aerial equipment with elevated master streams to deliver large amounts of water on to the fire.

Once the flames were brought down, crews re-entered the building to extinguish remaining hot spots. After the fire was&nbsp;under control and crews removed cardboard material from the warehouse portion of the building.

The business was closed and no workers were inside during the fire. The were no&nbsp; firefighters injured.&nbsp; Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

<a href="https://spanishgardensfoods.com/">Spanish Gardens</a> has strong roots in the Kansas City community. According to the company <a href="https://spanishgardensfoods.com/">web site,</a> Luis Silva, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, opened a restaurant at the location in the 1950's. The business transitioned to a Mexican food manufacturing and distribution business in the 1960s and the restaurant closed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708360966255.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a long-time Kansas City, Kansas business.&nbsp;Just before 2p.m. Sunday, the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department was called to a fire at <a href="https://spanishgardensfoods.com/">Spanish Gardens Taco House</a>,&nbsp;2301 Metropolitan Avenue, according to a media release.Firefighters initiated an interior fire attack, but conditions worsened and they decided to evacuate for their safety.&nbsp; Fire crews used aerial equipment with elevated master streams to deliver large amounts of water on to the fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708360888127.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Once the flames were brought down, crews re-entered the building to extinguish remaining hot spots. After the fire was&nbsp;under control and crews removed cardboard material from the warehouse portion of the building.The business was closed and no workers were inside during the fire. The were no&nbsp; firefighters injured.&nbsp; Authorities have not released a damage estimate.<a href="https://spanishgardensfoods.com/">Spanish Gardens</a> has strong roots in the Kansas City community. According to the company <a href="https://spanishgardensfoods.com/">web site,</a> Luis Silva, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, opened a restaurant at the location in the 1950's. The business transitioned to a Mexican food manufacturing and distribution business in the 1960s and the restaurant closed.

Fire damages Kansas food manufacturing, distribution business

PULASKI COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Pulaski County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kia Sorento driven by Tony L. Wilson, 71, Dixon, was southbound on Highway N four miles west of Dixon.

The SUV traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The vehicle returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road, rolled through a fence and into a field.&nbsp;

Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by the Pulaski County Coroner to Waynsville Memorial. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

PULASKI COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Pulaski County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kia Sorento driven by Tony L. Wilson, 71, Dixon, was southbound on Highway N four miles west of Dixon.The SUV traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The vehicle returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road, rolled through a fence and into a field.&nbsp;Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported by the Pulaski County Coroner to Waynsville Memorial. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after SUV rollover crash

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend road-rage incident in Leavenworth County and looking for potential witnesses.

The incident occurred just after 7:30p.m. Saturday on Kansas 7 that becomes Main Street, according to a social media report from Lansing Police.

 Reports indicate several occupants exchanged gunfire as vehicles headed north on the roadway. Police have arrested two suspects.

 If you saw anything, please contact Det. Adkisson at the LPD - 913-727-3000.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend road-rage incident in Leavenworth County and looking for potential witnesses.The incident occurred just after 7:30p.m. Saturday on Kansas 7 that becomes Main Street, according to a social media report from Lansing Police. Reports indicate several occupants exchanged gunfire as vehicles headed north on the roadway. Police have arrested two suspects. If you saw anything, please contact Det. Adkisson at the LPD - 913-727-3000.

Police looking for witnesses to Kansas road-rage incident

NASHVILLE (AP) —NBA champion, former University of Kansas Jayhawk basketball star and “Survivor” contestant Scot Pollard continues to improve following heart transplant surgery. He was up and walking his wife said Sunday on social media.

“Scot has a new heart!” Dawn Pollard posted Friday night on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Surgery went well and I’ve been told the heart is big, powerful and is a perfect fit! Now on to the crucial part of recovery."

She posted an&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/dawnmpollard/status/1758883680435708003?s=46&amp;t=TliPALzuI87FEnoiqmfbkw">update</a>&nbsp;writing: “Look who’s awake and is feeling great! Breathing tube came out early this morning and he started cracking jokes and singing, ‘I left my heart in San Fran-Nashville.’ We are all amazed at Scot’s recovery so far!”

Pollard, who turned 49 on Monday, needed a transplant because of damage to his heart from a virus he caught in 2021 that likely triggered a genetic condition he has known about since it killed his father at 54, when Scot was 16.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-transplant-d8b34f86b1a6f027ef8210c3a6ab0268">Pollard’s size complicated efforts to find a donor</a>&nbsp;with a heart big enough to fit his 6-foot-11, 260-pound body.

Earlier Friday, Dawn Pollard posted that a heart had been found.

“It’s go time!” she&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DawnMPollard/status/1758557622729408744">posted on X</a>. “Please keep the prayers coming for Scot, the surgeons, for the donor and his family who lost their loved one. This donor gave the most amazing gift of life and we are forever grateful.”

Pollard was a 1997 first-round draft pick after helping Kansas reach the NCAA Sweet 16 in four straight seasons. He was a useful big man off the bench for much of an NBA career that stretched over 11 years and five teams. He played 55 seconds in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trip to the NBA Finals in 2007, and won it all the following year with the Boston Celtics despite a season-ending ankle injury in February.

Pollard retired after that season, then dabbled in broadcasting and acting. He was a contestant on the 32nd season of “Survivor,” where he was voted out on Day 27 with eight castaways remaining.

Pollard went public with his condition last month and began the process of listing himself at transplant centers. He was admitted to intensive care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Feb. 7.

“I’m staying here until I get a heart,” he said in a text message to The Associated Press from his hospital room in Nashville, Tennessee. “My heart got weaker. (Doctors) agree this is my best shot at getting a heart quicker.”

NASHVILLE (AP) —NBA champion, former University of Kansas Jayhawk basketball star and “Survivor” contestant Scot Pollard continues to improve following heart transplant surgery. He was up and walking his wife said Sunday on social media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Scot continues to improve! Pain is being managed well, 1 of 3 chest tubes removed. Walked his first full lap around the ICU floor and talked the entire time! His old heart would’ve not allowed that-he’d be out of breath and exhausted after 30 feet. His donor is our hero!❤️‍🩹🥹😇🙏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/7h2LnBCjvl">pic.twitter.com/7h2LnBCjvl</a>&mdash; Dawn Pollard (@DawnMPollard) <a href="https://twitter.com/DawnMPollard/status/1759305566923489716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We have a walker! He’s continuing to shock us all with his strength. 🥹❤️‍🩹💪🏼 <a href="https://t.co/kcDUp4PJcA">pic.twitter.com/kcDUp4PJcA</a>&mdash; Dawn Pollard (@DawnMPollard) <a href="https://twitter.com/DawnMPollard/status/1759005796405309760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Scot has a new heart!” Dawn Pollard posted Friday night on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Surgery went well and I’ve been told the heart is big, powerful and is a perfect fit! Now on to the crucial part of recovery."She posted an&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/dawnmpollard/status/1758883680435708003?s=46&amp;t=TliPALzuI87FEnoiqmfbkw">update</a>&nbsp;writing: “Look who’s awake and is feeling great! Breathing tube came out early this morning and he started cracking jokes and singing, ‘I left my heart in San Fran-Nashville.’ We are all amazed at Scot’s recovery so far!”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not even 12 hours post heart transplant and he is standing! We are all amazed at his progress! Keep it going! ❤️‍🩹🙏🏼💪🏼 <a href="https://t.co/XsdDYkVgcd">pic.twitter.com/XsdDYkVgcd</a>&mdash; Dawn Pollard (@DawnMPollard) <a href="https://twitter.com/DawnMPollard/status/1758914467893547018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pollard, who turned 49 on Monday, needed a transplant because of damage to his heart from a virus he caught in 2021 that likely triggered a genetic condition he has known about since it killed his father at 54, when Scot was 16.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-transplant-d8b34f86b1a6f027ef8210c3a6ab0268">Pollard’s size complicated efforts to find a donor</a>&nbsp;with a heart big enough to fit his 6-foot-11, 260-pound body.Earlier Friday, Dawn Pollard posted that a heart had been found.“It’s go time!” she&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DawnMPollard/status/1758557622729408744">posted on X</a>. “Please keep the prayers coming for Scot, the surgeons, for the donor and his family who lost their loved one. This donor gave the most amazing gift of life and we are forever grateful.”Pollard was a 1997 first-round draft pick after helping Kansas reach the NCAA Sweet 16 in four straight seasons. He was a useful big man off the bench for much of an NBA career that stretched over 11 years and five teams. He played 55 seconds in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trip to the NBA Finals in 2007, and won it all the following year with the Boston Celtics despite a season-ending ankle injury in February.Pollard retired after that season, then dabbled in broadcasting and acting. He was a contestant on the 32nd season of “Survivor,” where he was voted out on Day 27 with eight castaways remaining.Pollard went public with his condition last month and began the process of listing himself at transplant centers. He was admitted to intensive care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Feb. 7.“I’m staying here until I get a heart,” he said in a text message to The Associated Press from his hospital room in Nashville, Tennessee. “My heart got weaker. (Doctors) agree this is my best shot at getting a heart quicker.”

Former KU star, 'Survivor' contestant improving after heart transplant

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery that left a suspect dead.

Just after 11a.m. Sunday, police were notified of a rolling disturbance with shots fired from a truck along Kansas 7, according to Shawnee, Kansas Police.

Subsequently, Shawnee police responded to a robbery in progress call at a QuikTrip in the 20600 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway. Officers were informed of shots being fired inside the business. Officers engaged an armed subject at the door.&nbsp; EMS transported the suspect to the hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Late Sunday police reported the suspect&nbsp; died.

No citizens or officers were injured.&nbsp; The Johnson County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team is now in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Police have not reported additional details including&nbsp; name of the suspect.

Anyone who witnessed or has information about this incident is also asked to call the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708312831590.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery that left a suspect dead.Just after 11a.m. Sunday, police were notified of a rolling disturbance with shots fired from a truck along Kansas 7, according to Shawnee, Kansas Police.Subsequently, Shawnee police responded to a robbery in progress call at a QuikTrip in the 20600 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway. Officers were informed of shots being fired inside the business. Officers engaged an armed subject at the door.&nbsp; EMS transported the suspect to the hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Late Sunday police reported the suspect&nbsp; died.No citizens or officers were injured.&nbsp; The Johnson County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team is now in charge of the investigation.&nbsp; Police have not reported additional details including&nbsp; name of the suspect.Anyone who witnessed or has information about this incident is also asked to call the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Police: Kansas armed robbery suspect dies from critical injuries

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of weekend Kansas house fire.

Just before 7:30a.m. Saturday, crews responded to a fire at a home in the 11500 Block of Pawnee Circcle in Leawood, according to a media release.

First responders found heavy fire coming from the rear of the residence. Crews were able to bring the fire under control just before 9a.m and out just before 11a.m.

A preliminary damage estimate is $1 million to the structure and&nbsp; $500,000 to contents. Occupants were able to escape without injury. One firefighter sustained a minor injury.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of weekend Kansas house fire.Just before 7:30a.m. Saturday, crews responded to a fire at a home in the 11500 Block of Pawnee Circcle in Leawood, according to a media release.First responders found heavy fire coming from the rear of the residence. Crews were able to bring the fire under control just before 9a.m and out just before 11a.m.A preliminary damage estimate is $1 million to the structure and&nbsp; $500,000 to contents. Occupants were able to escape without injury. One firefighter sustained a minor injury.

 $1 million in damage after fire at Kansas home

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration redesignation of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists went into effect over the weekend, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The move was announced by the White House 30 day ago and comes as the Houthis continue to launch attacks.&nbsp; Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s offensive in Gaza</a>. They have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

&nbsp;According to a statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan:

"These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism.&nbsp; They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation."

"The United States and the international community have been united in our response and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms."

"The designation was delayed 30 days, to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen. We are rolling out unprecedented carve outs and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people," according to Sullivan.

Meanwhile, between 3 and 8:00 p.m. (Sanaa time), Saturday U.S. forces successfully conducted five self-defense strikes against three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in Oct. 23.

CENTCOM identified the anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned underwater vessel, and the unmanned surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698021282699.png" alt="File Sec. of State Antony Blinken and President Biden -photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File Sec. of State Antony Blinken and President Biden -photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The Biden administration redesignation of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists went into effect over the weekend, according to the U.S. Department of State.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708226450978.png" alt="The official designation was delayed 30 days for humanitarian reasons." />
 <figcaption>The official designation was delayed 30 days for humanitarian reasons.</figcaption>
 </figure>The move was announced by the White House 30 day ago and comes as the Houthis continue to launch attacks.&nbsp; Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s offensive in Gaza</a>. They have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe.&nbsp;According to a statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan:"These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism.&nbsp; They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation.""The United States and the international community have been united in our response and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms.""The designation was delayed 30 days, to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen. We are rolling out unprecedented carve outs and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people," according to Sullivan.Meanwhile, between 3 and 8:00 p.m. (Sanaa time), Saturday U.S. forces successfully conducted five self-defense strikes against three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in Oct. 23.CENTCOM identified the anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned underwater vessel, and the unmanned surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region.&nbsp;

US designation of Houthis as terror group now in effect  

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child sex allegations.

Following an investigation, on Feb. 14, deputies and Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol arrested 44-year-old Jay Leonard Stewart of. Holton at a Topeka motel, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Steward was&nbsp;arrested on a Jackson County District Court warrant and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14 years of age. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708012043826.png" alt="Stewart -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Stewart -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on child sex allegations.Following an investigation, on Feb. 14, deputies and Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol arrested 44-year-old Jay Leonard Stewart of. Holton at a Topeka motel, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Steward was&nbsp;arrested on a Jackson County District Court warrant and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14 years of age.

Deputies, Troopers make child sex crime arrest at Kansas motel

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations.

Just after 8p.m February 8, a sheriff's deputy conducted a routine traffic stop on US Highway 75 three miles south of Independence, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.

The deputy identified the driver as Erika Williams and the passenger as Codaniel Jones both of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Further investigation revealed that Williams did not possess a valid driver's license, while Jones was found to have an outstanding warrant for Aggravated Burglary and Criminal Threat in Montgomery County.

The Caney Police Department’s K9 unit, with Police Service Dog Ozzy detected the presence of narcotics, prompting a search of the vehicle. 

The search yielded over 13 grams of methamphetamine and several ecstasy pills.Both Williams and Jones were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections. They face numerous requested charges, including possession and distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and related traffic violations, according to Wade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708293202058.png" alt="Jones-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations.Just after 8p.m February 8, a sheriff's deputy conducted a routine traffic stop on US Highway 75 three miles south of Independence, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.The deputy identified the driver as Erika Williams and the passenger as Codaniel Jones both of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708293156222.png" alt="Williams-photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Williams-photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Further investigation revealed that Williams did not possess a valid driver's license, while Jones was found to have an outstanding warrant for Aggravated Burglary and Criminal Threat in Montgomery County.The Caney Police Department’s K9 unit, with Police Service Dog Ozzy detected the presence of narcotics, prompting a search of the vehicle. The search yielded over 13 grams of methamphetamine and several ecstasy pills.Both Williams and Jones were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections. They face numerous requested charges, including possession and distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and related traffic violations, according to Wade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police K9 helps catch wanted Kansas burglary suspect

KANSAS CITY (AP) — How much choice is too much?

Apparently for Coca-Cola, it's about 400 different types of drinks.

That's why the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/coca-cola-laying-off-2-200-workers-as-it-pares-brands-e3364940775d662b92f78fb97c8af5da">beverage company recently decided to discontinue half of them</a>, shedding brands like Tab, Zico coconut water, Diet Coke Feisty Cherry and Odwalla juices but still leaving about 200 others to choose from.

It's a move that other businesses are making as well, reducing the variety of offerings from mayonnaise to cereals to cars and instead focusing on what they think will sell best.

Stew Leonard’s, a supermarket chain that operates stores in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, now has 24 cereal flavors or types, down from 49 in 2019. Edgewell Personal Care Co., the maker of Schick razors and Banana Boat suntan lotion, has trimmed certain varieties of its anti-bacteria wipes Wet Ones, among others. And Dollar General, based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, used to stock six different kinds of mayonnaise on its shelves and is now looking to drop a couple of them.

“The consumer is not going to know the difference,” Todd J. Vasos, CEO of Dollar General, told analysts in December. “Actually, it’s going to make her life a little simpler when she goes to the shelf.”

Just a year ago, Kohl's store in Clifton, New Jersey had tables stacked high with sweaters and shirts in a rainbow of colors as well as dress racks crammed with a wide assortment of styles. Now, it boasts a more edited approach — tables have slim piles of knit shirts that focus on fewer colors, and many dress racks have been reduced to just three or four styles.

Under its new CEO Tom Kingsbury, Kohl's has been cutting back on the colors and variations of sweaters, jeans and other items, while sending their buyers into the New York market more frequently to bring in fresh trendy merchandise.

“We would go out, and we would buy a lot of goods and it would come in 12, 14 months later, and it didn’t perform very well,” Kingsbury told analysts in a call in November. “We're going to be using the marketplace, so that we can react to the business quickly, getting into trends.”

“It’s pretty organized,” said Kimberly Ribeiro, 30, who was at the Kohl's store on a recent Friday. “If it’s not so cluttered, then you don’t get overwhelmed.”

Even in the auto world, shoppers are finding fewer choices. Both General Motors and Ford have been touting how they are limiting the number of option combinations customers can get on their vehicles to reduce manufacturing and purchasing complexity.

That's a reversal from a few years ago when there was an explosion of choices, encouraged in part by online shopping that paid no mind to space constraints. But that didn't always lead to sales so companies started pruning selections a year or two before the pandemic.

During the pandemic, the pruning only accelerated, with companies focusing on necessities as they wrestled with supply chain clogs. But even after the pandemic, when goods began moving freely again, many businesses decided less was better and justified the limited selection by asserting shoppers don't want so much choice. It's also more profitable for companies because they're not carrying over as many leftovers that need to be discounted.

Overall, new items accounted for about 2% of products in stores in 2023 across categories such as beauty, footwear, technology and toys, down from 5% of items in 2019, says market-research firm Circana.

Eric O’Toole, president of Edgewell’s North America division, noted the pandemic presented “a really valuable stimulus” for reassessing assortment.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — How much choice is too much?Apparently for Coca-Cola, it's about 400 different types of drinks.That's why the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/coca-cola-laying-off-2-200-workers-as-it-pares-brands-e3364940775d662b92f78fb97c8af5da">beverage company recently decided to discontinue half of them</a>, shedding brands like Tab, Zico coconut water, Diet Coke Feisty Cherry and Odwalla juices but still leaving about 200 others to choose from.It's a move that other businesses are making as well, reducing the variety of offerings from mayonnaise to cereals to cars and instead focusing on what they think will sell best.Stew Leonard’s, a supermarket chain that operates stores in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, now has 24 cereal flavors or types, down from 49 in 2019. Edgewell Personal Care Co., the maker of Schick razors and Banana Boat suntan lotion, has trimmed certain varieties of its anti-bacteria wipes Wet Ones, among others. And Dollar General, based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, used to stock six different kinds of mayonnaise on its shelves and is now looking to drop a couple of them.“The consumer is not going to know the difference,” Todd J. Vasos, CEO of Dollar General, told analysts in December. “Actually, it’s going to make her life a little simpler when she goes to the shelf.”Just a year ago, Kohl's store in Clifton, New Jersey had tables stacked high with sweaters and shirts in a rainbow of colors as well as dress racks crammed with a wide assortment of styles. Now, it boasts a more edited approach — tables have slim piles of knit shirts that focus on fewer colors, and many dress racks have been reduced to just three or four styles.Under its new CEO Tom Kingsbury, Kohl's has been cutting back on the colors and variations of sweaters, jeans and other items, while sending their buyers into the New York market more frequently to bring in fresh trendy merchandise.“We would go out, and we would buy a lot of goods and it would come in 12, 14 months later, and it didn’t perform very well,” Kingsbury told analysts in a call in November. “We're going to be using the marketplace, so that we can react to the business quickly, getting into trends.”Some customers like the changes so far.“It’s pretty organized,” said Kimberly Ribeiro, 30, who was at the Kohl's store on a recent Friday. “If it’s not so cluttered, then you don’t get overwhelmed.”Even in the auto world, shoppers are finding fewer choices. Both General Motors and Ford have been touting how they are limiting the number of option combinations customers can get on their vehicles to reduce manufacturing and purchasing complexity.That's a reversal from a few years ago when there was an explosion of choices, encouraged in part by online shopping that paid no mind to space constraints. But that didn't always lead to sales so companies started pruning selections a year or two before the pandemic.During the pandemic, the pruning only accelerated, with companies focusing on necessities as they wrestled with supply chain clogs. But even after the pandemic, when goods began moving freely again, many businesses decided less was better and justified the limited selection by asserting shoppers don't want so much choice. It's also more profitable for companies because they're not carrying over as many leftovers that need to be discounted.Overall, new items accounted for about 2% of products in stores in 2023 across categories such as beauty, footwear, technology and toys, down from 5% of items in 2019, says market-research firm Circana.Eric O’Toole, president of Edgewell’s North America division, noted the pandemic presented “a really valuable stimulus” for reassessing assortment.“We avoid jumping on fads, as the supply chain and retailer costs required to support getting to shelf typically don’t generate a return in the end," O'Toole said. "A tighter, more curated portfolio supports healthy profit management. ”Many think they're also doing shoppers a favor, with studies showing that fewer choices, not lots of variety, actually encourage shoppers to buy more.In 2000, psychologists Sheena Lyengar and Mark Lepper published a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMCOlPLXb9s">study</a>&nbsp;that showed limited selection is better for the shopper. In their experiment, Lyengar and Lepper found consumers were 10 times more likely to purchase jam on display when the number of jams available was cut down from 24 to 6 even though they were more likely to stop at the display offering more selection. Subsequent studies have confirmed this phenomenon.“Retailers are recognizing that they have to be respectful of shoppers' time,” said Paco Underhill whose company, Envirosell, studies consumer behavior.Still, retailers can't just slash products willy-nilly, said David Berliner, who leads the business restructuring and turnaround practice at BDO.“You want to make these cuts so they’re not even aware of it, and you want the store to still look full," Berliner said. “If you do it too much, you might scare some away."Berliner also believes reducing variety may also hurt smaller brands who relied on retailers to offer different products — and will send shoppers like Bob Friedland to other competitors.The 48-year-old communications consultant from Little Falls, New Jersey said that for years, his go-to barbecue sauce has been Open Pit. But Friedland noticed that over the past few years, his local grocers hadn't been carrying it, and he's since turned to Amazon to buy it. That means those local stores not only lost out on Open Pit sales to Friedland. but all the other purchases he used to make while shopping for his favorite barbecue sauce.“I really don’t love the idea of a retailer telling me what I should and should not be interested in,” Friedland said. “I like variety. I like specific brands.”