By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Progress continues on a 43-year-old murder case in Barton County. On Dec. 8, 2022, Steven Hanks of Burden was arrested for the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter. Hanks was bound over for arraignment in Barton County District Court following Wednesday's preliminary hearing. Sheriff Brian Bellendir said that's one of many hurdles cleared so far in the case.

"In a felony case, they have to have a preliminary hearing," he said. "This is where the judge decides whether or not we've got the probable cause to try him for the felony. They said we did."

In January 1980, Walter was found deceased by her husband. She had been shot multiple times in a now-defunct Nelson Trailer Park west of Great Bend.

"Hanks was developed fairly early in the case as a suspect but they were not able to nail it down," Bellendir said. "We took another run at the case a year and a half ago. My Det. Sgt. Adam Hales got COVID and he had nothing to do. He had to stay home, so he took the case home and went through it all."

Hales was joined by detectives David Paden, Bryan Volkel, and Alex Lomas, as well as Patrol Sgt. Travis Doze. The detectives made their case and presented it to the Barton County Attorney's Office in October 2022. Hanks, then 68 years old, was arrested at his home in Burden two months later.

Hanks' arraignment has been scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9 at 12:45 p.m. at the temporary Barton County District Court facility located at 1709 Main St. in Great Bend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670608379475.png" alt="Mary Robin Walter-photo courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Mary Robin Walter-photo courtesy Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostProgress continues on a 43-year-old murder case in Barton County. On Dec. 8, 2022, Steven Hanks of Burden was arrested for the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter. Hanks was bound over for arraignment in Barton County District Court following Wednesday's preliminary hearing. Sheriff Brian Bellendir said that's one of many hurdles cleared so far in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670617705007.jpeg" alt="In December, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir announced the arrest of Steven Hanks for the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter. A preliminary hearing in the case was held Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>In December, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir announced the arrest of Steven Hanks for the 1980 murder of Mary Robin Walter. A preliminary hearing in the case was held Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>"In a felony case, they have to have a preliminary hearing," he said. "This is where the judge decides whether or not we've got the probable cause to try him for the felony. They said we did."In January 1980, Walter was found deceased by her husband. She had been shot multiple times in a now-defunct Nelson Trailer Park west of Great Bend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670609613326.jpeg" alt="Hanks -Photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Hanks -Photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Hanks was developed fairly early in the case as a suspect but they were not able to nail it down," Bellendir said. "We took another run at the case a year and a half ago. My Det. Sgt. Adam Hales got COVID and he had nothing to do. He had to stay home, so he took the case home and went through it all."Hales was joined by detectives David Paden, Bryan Volkel, and Alex Lomas, as well as Patrol Sgt. Travis Doze. The detectives made their case and presented it to the Barton County Attorney's Office in October 2022. Hanks, then 68 years old, was arrested at his home in Burden two months later.Hanks' arraignment has been scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9 at 12:45 p.m. at the temporary Barton County District Court facility located at 1709 Main St. in Great Bend.

Suspect held over for arraignment in 1980 murder of Kan. woman

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the 2023 Kansas State Fair opening Friday, General Manager Bryan Schulz noted some of the improvements made for this year's Fair, including the walking surface in much of the grounds.&nbsp;

"Right now, we spent close to a million dollars, it will be closer to $2 million when we get done. The legislature a couple of years ago, gave us some monies to start upgrading, one of them was for asphalt and we have put down a lot of asphalt on these grounds."

There is also a new integrated PA system that is the largest by area covered in the state.

"That was another part of the monies that we got from the legislature," Schulz said. "When I started, it was, okay, how do we tell people, we're in tornado alley, how do we tell people that there could be imminent weather? How do we tell people that we've got a lost child? How do we tell people you've triple parked, please move your car. We worked with Hopp's Sound out of McPherson and the sound system that we have is absolutely phenomenal. We've been able to create 19 different emergency announcements by the push of a button, both in English and Spanish. That can tell people that we've got a storm coming, but then we're also able to play a little bit of background music and be able to talk to people as they are coming and going."

The hope is that the fair can get back to the pre-COVID attendance numbers they had a few years back.

"We're hoping to get to 350,000, absolutely," Schulz said. "That's kind of the average we had prior to COVID. We're hoping to gain back up into that."

The Kansas State Fair is Sept. 8 to 17 in Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632137691150.jpeg" alt="Grandstand at the Kansas State Fair-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Grandstand at the Kansas State Fair-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the 2023 Kansas State Fair opening Friday, General Manager Bryan Schulz noted some of the improvements made for this year's Fair, including the walking surface in much of the grounds.&nbsp;"Right now, we spent close to a million dollars, it will be closer to $2 million when we get done. The legislature a couple of years ago, gave us some monies to start upgrading, one of them was for asphalt and we have put down a lot of asphalt on these grounds."There is also a new integrated PA system that is the largest by area covered in the state."That was another part of the monies that we got from the legislature," Schulz said. "When I started, it was, okay, how do we tell people, we're in tornado alley, how do we tell people that there could be imminent weather? How do we tell people that we've got a lost child? How do we tell people you've triple parked, please move your car. We worked with Hopp's Sound out of McPherson and the sound system that we have is absolutely phenomenal. We've been able to create 19 different emergency announcements by the push of a button, both in English and Spanish. That can tell people that we've got a storm coming, but then we're also able to play a little bit of background music and be able to talk to people as they are coming and going."The hope is that the fair can get back to the pre-COVID attendance numbers they had a few years back."We're hoping to get to 350,000, absolutely," Schulz said. "That's kind of the average we had prior to COVID. We're hoping to gain back up into that."The Kansas State Fair is Sept. 8 to 17 in Hutchinson.

Improvements to State Fair include walking surface, PA system

WASHINGTON (AP) — Concern for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization has prompted the entities supporting 13 presidential libraries dating back to Herbert Hoover to call for a recommitment to the country's bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs.&nbsp;The Eisenhower Foundation did not sign the statement.

The statement released Thursday, the first time the libraries have joined to make such a public declaration, said Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and human rights around the world because "free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home."

"But that interest," it said, "is undermined when others see our own house in disarray."

The joint message from presidential centers, foundations and institutes emphasized the need for compassion, tolerance and pluralism while urging Americans to respect democratic institutions and uphold secure and accessible elections.

The statement noted that "debate and disagreement" are central to democracy but also alluded to the coarsening of dialogue in the public arena during an era when officials and their families are receiving death threats.

"Civility and respect in political discourse, whether in an election year or otherwise, are essential," it said.

Most of the living former presidents have been sparing in giving their public opinions about the state of the nation as polls show that large swaths of Republicans still believe the lies perpetuated by former President Donald Trump and his allies that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Trump, a Republican, also has lashed out at the justice system as he faces indictments in four criminal cases, including two related to his efforts to overturn the results of his reelection loss to Joe Biden, a Democrat.

Thursday's statement stopped short of calling out individuals, but it still marked one of the most substantive acknowledgments that people associated with the nation's former presidents are worried about the country's trajectory.

"I think there's great concern about the state of our democracy at this time," said Mark Updegrove, CEO of the LBJ Foundation, which supports the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas. "We don't have to go much farther than January 6 to realize that we are in a perilous state."

Efforts to suppress or weaken voter turnout are of special interest to the LBJ Foundation, Updegrove said, given that President Lyndon Johnson considered his signing of the Voting Rights Act his "proudest legislative accomplishment."

The bipartisan statement was signed by the Hoover Presidential Foundation, the Roosevelt Institute, the Truman Library Institute, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, the LBJ Foundation, the Richard Nixon Foundation, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, the Carter Center, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, the George &amp; Barbara Bush Foundation, the Clinton Foundation, the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Obama Foundation. Those organizations all support presidential libraries created under the Presidential Library Act of 1955, along with the Eisenhower Foundation.

The Eisenhower Foundation chose not to sign, and it said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press: "The Eisenhower Foundation has respectfully declined to sign this statement. It would be the first common statement that the presidential centers and foundations have ever issued as a group, but we have had no collective discussion about it, only an invitation to sign."

The foundation said each presidential entity had its own programs related to democracy.

The push for the joint statement was spearheaded by Daniel Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute. Kramer said the former president "did see and signed off on this statement."

He said the effort was intended to send "a positive message reminding us of who we are and also reminding us that when we are in disarray, when we're at loggerheads, people overseas are also looking at us and wondering what's going on." He also said it was necessary to remind Americans that their democracy cannot be taken for granted.

He said the Bush Institute has hosted several events on elections, including one as part of a joint initiative with the other groups called More Perfect that featured Bill Gates, a member of the board of supervisors in Arizona's Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. The county, its supervisors and its elections staff have been targeted repeatedly by election conspiracy theorists in recent years.

Gates and his family have been threatened by people who believe false allegations of election fraud.

"We wanted to remind people that those who oversee our elections are our fellow citizens," Kramer said. "Some of them told stories that are almost heartbreaking about the threats they faced."

He said he hoped the joint statement would generate wide support, but he added: "It's hard to say whether it will or not in these polarized times."

Melissa Giller, chief marketing officer at the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute, said the decision to sign on was a quick one. The foundation was approached shortly after it launched a new effort, its Center on Public Civility in Washington, D.C. She said the statement represents "everything our center will stand for."

"We need to help put an end to the serious discord and division in our society," Giller said in an emailed response. "America is experiencing a decline in trust, social cohesion, and personal interaction."

Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to former President Barack Obama who is now CEO of the Obama Foundation, said the former president supported the statement.

"This is a moment where we could all come together and show that democracy is not about partisan politics," she said. "It's about making our country strong, making our country more decent, more kind, more humane."

Jarrett said one of the foundation's priorities is trying to restore faith in the institutions that are the pillars of society. To do that has meant taking on disinformation and creating opportunity where "people believe that our democracy is on the up-and-up."

She said Obama has led a democracy forum and is planning another later this year in Chicago.

"I think part of it is recognizing that we are very fragile right now," Jarrett said, citing the fact that "we didn't have a smooth orderly transition of power in the last election" along with people's mistrust of the court system and elected officials.

"The wheels on our democracy bus," she said, "feel a little wobbly right now."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694093820633.png" alt="Colleen Shogan(left) Archivist of the United States, during a visit to the Eisenhower Library and boyhood home in Abilene last month. Photo courtesy U.S. National Archives&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Colleen Shogan(left) Archivist of the United States, during a visit to the Eisenhower Library and boyhood home in Abilene last month. Photo courtesy U.S. National Archives&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Concern for U.S. democracy amid deep national polarization has prompted the entities supporting 13 presidential libraries dating back to Herbert Hoover to call for a recommitment to the country's bedrock principles, including the rule of law and respecting a diversity of beliefs.&nbsp;The Eisenhower Foundation did not sign the statement.The statement released Thursday, the first time the libraries have joined to make such a public declaration, said Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and human rights around the world because "free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home.""But that interest," it said, "is undermined when others see our own house in disarray."The joint message from presidential centers, foundations and institutes emphasized the need for compassion, tolerance and pluralism while urging Americans to respect democratic institutions and uphold secure and accessible elections.The statement noted that "debate and disagreement" are central to democracy but also alluded to the coarsening of dialogue in the public arena during an era when officials and their families are receiving death threats."Civility and respect in political discourse, whether in an election year or otherwise, are essential," it said.Most of the living former presidents have been sparing in giving their public opinions about the state of the nation as polls show that large swaths of Republicans still believe the lies perpetuated by former President Donald Trump and his allies that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Trump, a Republican, also has lashed out at the justice system as he faces indictments in four criminal cases, including two related to his efforts to overturn the results of his reelection loss to Joe Biden, a Democrat.Thursday's statement stopped short of calling out individuals, but it still marked one of the most substantive acknowledgments that people associated with the nation's former presidents are worried about the country's trajectory."I think there's great concern about the state of our democracy at this time," said Mark Updegrove, CEO of the LBJ Foundation, which supports the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas. "We don't have to go much farther than January 6 to realize that we are in a perilous state."Efforts to suppress or weaken voter turnout are of special interest to the LBJ Foundation, Updegrove said, given that President Lyndon Johnson considered his signing of the Voting Rights Act his "proudest legislative accomplishment."The bipartisan statement was signed by the Hoover Presidential Foundation, the Roosevelt Institute, the Truman Library Institute, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, the LBJ Foundation, the Richard Nixon Foundation, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, the Carter Center, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, the George &amp; Barbara Bush Foundation, the Clinton Foundation, the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Obama Foundation. Those organizations all support presidential libraries created under the Presidential Library Act of 1955, along with the Eisenhower Foundation.The Eisenhower Foundation chose not to sign, and it said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press: "The Eisenhower Foundation has respectfully declined to sign this statement. It would be the first common statement that the presidential centers and foundations have ever issued as a group, but we have had no collective discussion about it, only an invitation to sign."The foundation said each presidential entity had its own programs related to democracy.The push for the joint statement was spearheaded by Daniel Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute. Kramer said the former president "did see and signed off on this statement."He said the effort was intended to send "a positive message reminding us of who we are and also reminding us that when we are in disarray, when we're at loggerheads, people overseas are also looking at us and wondering what's going on." He also said it was necessary to remind Americans that their democracy cannot be taken for granted.He said the Bush Institute has hosted several events on elections, including one as part of a joint initiative with the other groups called More Perfect that featured Bill Gates, a member of the board of supervisors in Arizona's Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. The county, its supervisors and its elections staff have been targeted repeatedly by election conspiracy theorists in recent years.Gates and his family have been threatened by people who believe false allegations of election fraud."We wanted to remind people that those who oversee our elections are our fellow citizens," Kramer said. "Some of them told stories that are almost heartbreaking about the threats they faced."He said he hoped the joint statement would generate wide support, but he added: "It's hard to say whether it will or not in these polarized times."Melissa Giller, chief marketing officer at the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute, said the decision to sign on was a quick one. The foundation was approached shortly after it launched a new effort, its Center on Public Civility in Washington, D.C. She said the statement represents "everything our center will stand for.""We need to help put an end to the serious discord and division in our society," Giller said in an emailed response. "America is experiencing a decline in trust, social cohesion, and personal interaction."Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to former President Barack Obama who is now CEO of the Obama Foundation, said the former president supported the statement."This is a moment where we could all come together and show that democracy is not about partisan politics," she said. "It's about making our country strong, making our country more decent, more kind, more humane."Jarrett said one of the foundation's priorities is trying to restore faith in the institutions that are the pillars of society. To do that has meant taking on disinformation and creating opportunity where "people believe that our democracy is on the up-and-up."She said Obama has led a democracy forum and is planning another later this year in Chicago."I think part of it is recognizing that we are very fragile right now," Jarrett said, citing the fact that "we didn't have a smooth orderly transition of power in the last election" along with people's mistrust of the court system and elected officials."The wheels on our democracy bus," she said, "feel a little wobbly right now."

Presidential libraries, not Eisenhower, warn of fragile U.S. democracy

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide.

Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block of SE Emerson Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

First responders located a person with a life threatening gunshot wound. American Medical Response transported the victim to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased.

Late Thursday, Eubanks reported detectives identified and interviewed all individuals involved in this incident. Upon completion of this investigation the case will be sent to the Shawnee County District Attorney for consideration of charges.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim or a possible suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694136475623.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide.Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block of SE Emerson Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.First responders located a person with a life threatening gunshot wound. American Medical Response transported the victim to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased.Late Thursday, Eubanks reported detectives identified and interviewed all individuals involved in this incident. Upon completion of this investigation the case will be sent to the Shawnee County District Attorney for consideration of charges.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim or a possible suspect.

Homicide: Police investigate deadly Kan. neighborhood shooting

CUPERTINO, CAL (AP) —Apple released a&nbsp;<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213905">significant security update</a>&nbsp;for iPhones and iPads Thursday to patch newly discovered security vulnerabilities in the devices’ system software.

The issue was discovered by researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, who said the software flaw was being “actively exploited” to deliver commercial spyware called Pegasus developed and sold by the Israeli company NSO Group.

Pegasus is an expensive tool typically used to target dissidents, journalists and political opponents, so ordinary users likely have little to fear. Still, Citizen Lab recommends that all users should “immediately" update their devices.

To install the update, open Settings on your iPhone, then select “General” followed by “Software Update.” You should see the iOS 16.6.1 software update there; tap to begin the installation.

If you don't see the update, go back to the General page, then tap “About” to check your iOS version number. If it's 16.6.1, you already have the update installed. If your phone is still using 16.6 or an earlier version, repeat the above steps. If you still don't see an update, try restarting your phone. If that doesn't make the update appear, double-check your internet connection and then wait a bit before trying again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658501234756.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CUPERTINO, CAL (AP) —Apple released a&nbsp;<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213905">significant security update</a>&nbsp;for iPhones and iPads Thursday to patch newly discovered security vulnerabilities in the devices’ system software.The issue was discovered by researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, who said the software flaw was being “actively exploited” to deliver commercial spyware called Pegasus developed and sold by the Israeli company NSO Group.Pegasus is an expensive tool typically used to target dissidents, journalists and political opponents, so ordinary users likely have little to fear. Still, Citizen Lab recommends that all users should “immediately" update their devices.To install the update, open Settings on your iPhone, then select “General” followed by “Software Update.” You should see the iOS 16.6.1 software update there; tap to begin the installation.If you don't see the update, go back to the General page, then tap “About” to check your iOS version number. If it's 16.6.1, you already have the update installed. If your phone is still using 16.6 or an earlier version, repeat the above steps. If you still don't see an update, try restarting your phone. If that doesn't make the update appear, double-check your internet connection and then wait a bit before trying again.

Update your iPhone: Apple just pushed out significant security update

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

Federal regulators nix plan to spread cost of exporting wind power from Kansas

TOPEKA — U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran of Kansas are objecting to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision to reverse its approval of a plan to more equitably distribute electricity transmission facility costs from heavy wind-producing states such as Kansas to other member states in the Southwest Power Pool.

“It is FERC’s statutory obligation to make sure costs are allocated in a manner that is roughly commensurate with the benefits received,” Moran said. “I urge the commission to work with stakeholders to create a reasonable cost allocation plan that does not overburden Kansas ratepayers.”

The federal regulatory commission had agreed in October 2022 to permit the multi-state power pool to address unfair division of the cost for transferring electricity from zones with vast amounts of generation, including the wind-rich state of Kansas, to consumers in other SPP states. The reform was crafted to relieve the burden on Kansans paying two-thirds of transmission facility costs for power beneficial to customers in the 15-state SPP.

In July, FERC reversed that earlier decision in response to complaints from Southwestern Electric Power, Public Service Co. of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Gas &amp; Electric Company as well as city utilities in Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri. Based on this secondary review, FERC unanimously agreed the cost-sharing plan gave SPP’s board too much leeway in deciding whether to implement a more regional approach to allocation of transmission costs.

Moran and Marshall released a letter Wednesday sent to FERC calling for reinstatement of the ruling favorable to Kansas energy customers who have been compelled to subsidize energy usage in neighboring states.

The senators’ letter to members of the federal commission highlighted development of the robust wind industry in Kansas and what the GOP lawmakers viewed as unfairness of regulations requiring families and businesses in Kansas to pay inflated costs of moving electricity on the grid.

Marshall said the flip-flop by FERC rubbed salt in the wound of Kansans who had to deal with inflationary economic pressures.

“Kansas ratepayers are being penalized by bureaucrats in Washington for providing critical energy resources across the country,” Marshall said. “The current framework is unfair. Kansans should not have to subsidize energy costs for neighboring states. It’s that simple.”

He said FERC should appreciate the inequity of requiring Kansans to pay unreasonably high transmission rates for facilities that benefitted the entire multi-state SPP.

FERC commissioner Mark Christie, an appointee of President Donald Trump, said SPP’s strategy for distributing transmission costs among member states lacked consensus.

“At least four states were on record as opposing SPP’s proposal,” Christie said. “Should SPP seek to file another version of its cost allocation for these types of projects, it is my hope that any such new cost allocation will earn the support of all states to which costs could be allocated.”

Kansas has ranked among the top U.S. states in terms of the level of wind energy generation and annual growth of wind capacity.

The SPP is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to development of a reliable power supply, adequate transmission infrastructure and competitive wholesale prices for member states. SPP oversees the bulk electric grid and wholesale power market on behalf of utilities and transmission companies in 15 states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646924351746.png" alt="-U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, both Kansas Republicans, want the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reconsider its rejection of a plan to relieve the burden&nbsp; on Kansas consumers for cost of transmission facilities moving wind-generated electricity to other states in the Southwest Power Pool. (Jill Hummels for the Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>-U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, both Kansas Republicans, want the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reconsider its rejection of a plan to relieve the burden&nbsp; on Kansas consumers for cost of transmission facilities moving wind-generated electricity to other states in the Southwest Power Pool. (Jill Hummels for the Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: TIM CARPENTER,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Federal regulators nix plan to spread cost of exporting wind power from Kansas</h2>TOPEKA — U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran of Kansas are objecting to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision to reverse its approval of a plan to more equitably distribute electricity transmission facility costs from heavy wind-producing states such as Kansas to other member states in the Southwest Power Pool.“It is FERC’s statutory obligation to make sure costs are allocated in a manner that is roughly commensurate with the benefits received,” Moran said. “I urge the commission to work with stakeholders to create a reasonable cost allocation plan that does not overburden Kansas ratepayers.”The federal regulatory commission had agreed in October 2022 to permit the multi-state power pool to address unfair division of the cost for transferring electricity from zones with vast amounts of generation, including the wind-rich state of Kansas, to consumers in other SPP states. The reform was crafted to relieve the burden on Kansans paying two-thirds of transmission facility costs for power beneficial to customers in the 15-state SPP.In July, FERC reversed that earlier decision in response to complaints from Southwestern Electric Power, Public Service Co. of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Gas &amp; Electric Company as well as city utilities in Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri. Based on this secondary review, FERC unanimously agreed the cost-sharing plan gave SPP’s board too much leeway in deciding whether to implement a more regional approach to allocation of transmission costs.Moran and Marshall released a letter Wednesday sent to FERC calling for reinstatement of the ruling favorable to Kansas energy customers who have been compelled to subsidize energy usage in neighboring states.The senators’ letter to members of the federal commission highlighted development of the robust wind industry in Kansas and what the GOP lawmakers viewed as unfairness of regulations requiring families and businesses in Kansas to pay inflated costs of moving electricity on the grid.Marshall said the flip-flop by FERC rubbed salt in the wound of Kansans who had to deal with inflationary economic pressures.“Kansas ratepayers are being penalized by bureaucrats in Washington for providing critical energy resources across the country,” Marshall said. “The current framework is unfair. Kansans should not have to subsidize energy costs for neighboring states. It’s that simple.”He said FERC should appreciate the inequity of requiring Kansans to pay unreasonably high transmission rates for facilities that benefitted the entire multi-state SPP.FERC commissioner Mark Christie, an appointee of President Donald Trump, said SPP’s strategy for distributing transmission costs among member states lacked consensus.“At least four states were on record as opposing SPP’s proposal,” Christie said. “Should SPP seek to file another version of its cost allocation for these types of projects, it is my hope that any such new cost allocation will earn the support of all states to which costs could be allocated.”Kansas has ranked among the top U.S. states in terms of the level of wind energy generation and annual growth of wind capacity.The SPP is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to development of a reliable power supply, adequate transmission infrastructure and competitive wholesale prices for member states. SPP oversees the bulk electric grid and wholesale power market on behalf of utilities and transmission companies in 15 states.

Moran, Marshall seek reversal of electricity transmission ruling 

LAFAYETTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Lafayette County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Michael P. Kniest, 45, Columbia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Bates City.

The driver changed lanes and struck the towed unit of a 2023 Freightliner Cascadia driven by Lira B. Ruben, 55, Bakersfield, California. After impact Kniest was ejected.

SNI Valley EMS transported Kniest to Centerpoint Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Ruben was not injured. Kniest was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

LAFAYETTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Thursday in Lafayette County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Michael P. Kniest, 45, Columbia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Bates City.The driver changed lanes and struck the towed unit of a 2023 Freightliner Cascadia driven by Lira B. Ruben, 55, Bakersfield, California. After impact Kniest was ejected.SNI Valley EMS transported Kniest to Centerpoint Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Ruben was not injured. Kniest was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after motorcycle strikes semi's trailer

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged with two counts of knowingly burning or exploding items by allegedly placing an explosive device on an ATM and later damaging a business with an explosive.

Police booked 38-year-old Luther Turner into jail on July 2, according to online jail records.

According to court documents, on June 15, police responded to reports of two separate incidents involving illegal explosive devices. 

Just after 1a.m. police officers were called to a bank in Kansas City where an illegal explosive was used in an attempt to gain access to an automated teller machine.

Just before 8:30a.m. a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in Kansas City following a report of a non-residential burglary. During the investigation, detectives determined that an explosive device had been used in an attempt to breach the establishment.

Investigators determined an explosive had been placed against a window on the building's south side, damaging both the window and its frame.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693768256536.png" alt="Turner-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Turner-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged with two counts of knowingly burning or exploding items by allegedly placing an explosive device on an ATM and later damaging a business with an explosive.Police booked 38-year-old Luther Turner into jail on July 2, according to online jail records.According to court documents, on June 15, police responded to reports of two separate incidents involving illegal explosive devices. Just after 1a.m. police officers were called to a bank in Kansas City where an illegal explosive was used in an attempt to gain access to an automated teller machine.Just before 8:30a.m. a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in Kansas City following a report of a non-residential burglary. During the investigation, detectives determined that an explosive device had been used in an attempt to breach the establishment.Investigators determined an explosive had been placed against a window on the building's south side, damaging both the window and its frame.

KC man faces charges for allegedly using explosive on bank ATM

KANSAS CITY —A sheriff's deputy avoided injury after a driver struck her with his vehicle.

The deputy was patrolling near Claybrook Park about 4:25 p.m. Sunday when she saw an SUV with its hood open and a man appearing to work on the vehicle.&nbsp; He had a young boy with him, who was later determined to be his 6-year-old son. The deputy approached to see if she could help.

The man appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He said he probably had a warrant for his arrest. He then told the deputy he had drunk a beer. The deputy attempted to detain the man, but he pulled away from her and got back in his vehicle. The deputy tried to stop him from starting the ignition, but he drove off with her still reaching inside the vehicle. He was yelling for his son to get in the car as he circled the parking lot.

The boy was still standing next to the deputy when his father drove at her and struck her left leg with his vehicle. The man told his son he would be back for him and sped away.

Kearney, Missouri Police came to the area and located the vehicle, which fled from them. They pursued it, and deputies unsuccessfully tried to use Stop Sticks to stop the vehicle. 

The suspect identified as 33-year-old Christopher E. Crawford, eventually stopped in a driveway near 10th&nbsp;Street and Prospect in Kearney.&nbsp; Crawford jumped from his vehicle and tried to get in a garage door. A Kearney officer and Sheriff’s Office deputy deployed their Tasers, to no effect. 

Crawford continued to fight the officer and multiple deputies and try to get in the garage door. Another deputy deployed his canine partner, which finally allowed the officer and deputies to get Crawford into custody.

Deputies were able to locate other family members of the 6-year-old and turn him over to their custody. The boy was not injured.

&nbsp;Crawford, was treated for his dog bite at an area hospital and then transported to the Clay County Detention Center on requested charges of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693944645418.png" alt="Crawford-photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Crawford-photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A sheriff's deputy avoided injury after a driver struck her with his vehicle.The deputy was patrolling near Claybrook Park about 4:25 p.m. Sunday when she saw an SUV with its hood open and a man appearing to work on the vehicle.&nbsp; He had a young boy with him, who was later determined to be his 6-year-old son. The deputy approached to see if she could help.The man appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. He said he probably had a warrant for his arrest. He then told the deputy he had drunk a beer. The deputy attempted to detain the man, but he pulled away from her and got back in his vehicle. The deputy tried to stop him from starting the ignition, but he drove off with her still reaching inside the vehicle. He was yelling for his son to get in the car as he circled the parking lot.The boy was still standing next to the deputy when his father drove at her and struck her left leg with his vehicle. The man told his son he would be back for him and sped away.Kearney, Missouri Police came to the area and located the vehicle, which fled from them. They pursued it, and deputies unsuccessfully tried to use Stop Sticks to stop the vehicle. The suspect identified as 33-year-old Christopher E. Crawford, eventually stopped in a driveway near 10th&nbsp;Street and Prospect in Kearney.&nbsp; Crawford jumped from his vehicle and tried to get in a garage door. A Kearney officer and Sheriff’s Office deputy deployed their Tasers, to no effect. Crawford continued to fight the officer and multiple deputies and try to get in the garage door. Another deputy deployed his canine partner, which finally allowed the officer and deputies to get Crawford into custody.Deputies were able to locate other family members of the 6-year-old and turn him over to their custody. The boy was not injured.&nbsp;Crawford, was treated for his dog bite at an area hospital and then transported to the Clay County Detention Center on requested charges of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Suspect struck deputy with his car, narrowly missed his own child

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas couple for alleged abuse.

On Thursday, deputies arrested&nbsp;&nbsp;50-year-old Bradley Scott Stanley and 57-year-old Trisha Kay Womack of Gypsum, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.

The couple allegedly abused and held a 20-year-old woman against her will.

The abuse reportedly began in July. The 20-year-old victim, who had been living with the couple, reported Stanley for physically abusing her and Womack at a home in the 200 block of Hawkes Street in Gypsum, according to Melander.

The victim returned to the residence on Wednesday at the invitation of Womack who told her that Stanley was not there and she could pick up her belongings.

When she arrived, the couple held her against her will and tried to convince her not to testify against Stanley. When the couple fell asleep, she was able to escape.

Deputies used a search warrant to enter the home and found Stanley hiding in a closet behind a false wall.&nbsp; They used pepper spray to remove him from the residence.&nbsp;

Stanley is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Criminal Threat, DV Battery, Possession of Meth and Possession of Paraphernalia and several warrants from July and August for&nbsp;Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Domestic Violence Battery Impeding Breathing and Domestic Violence Battery

&nbsp;Womack is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Criminal Threat and Obstruction

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694094639786.jpeg" alt="Stanley photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Stanley photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas couple for alleged abuse.On Thursday, deputies arrested&nbsp;&nbsp;50-year-old Bradley Scott Stanley and 57-year-old Trisha Kay Womack of Gypsum, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.The couple allegedly abused and held a 20-year-old woman against her will.The abuse reportedly began in July. The 20-year-old victim, who had been living with the couple, reported Stanley for physically abusing her and Womack at a home in the 200 block of Hawkes Street in Gypsum, according to Melander.The victim returned to the residence on Wednesday at the invitation of Womack who told her that Stanley was not there and she could pick up her belongings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694094661026.jpeg" alt="Womack photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Womack photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>When she arrived, the couple held her against her will and tried to convince her not to testify against Stanley. When the couple fell asleep, she was able to escape.Deputies used a search warrant to enter the home and found Stanley hiding in a closet behind a false wall.&nbsp; They used pepper spray to remove him from the residence.&nbsp;Stanley is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Criminal Threat, DV Battery, Possession of Meth and Possession of Paraphernalia and several warrants from July and August for&nbsp;Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Domestic Violence Battery Impeding Breathing and Domestic Violence Battery&nbsp;Womack is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Criminal Threat and Obstruction

Kansas couple accused of kidnapping 20-year-old woman

LAWRENCE — An anonymous donor gave $50 million to the business school at the University of Kansas to support undergraduate students and faculty research, officials said Tuesday.

It represented the largest gift received by the School of Business located on the university’s main campus in Lawrence. The funding has been earmarked to support students through study abroad, entrepreneurship and career-focused programs as well as initiatives tied to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

In addition, the endowment to the business school would be dedicated to improving scholarly output through support of faculty professorships and fellowships.

“While a gift of this size is certainly newsworthy, it’s what this gift will enable that is truly worth noting,” said Dan Martin, president of the KU Endowment. “The impact of such a sizable gift will have a ripple effect that extends well beyond this current moment in time.”

Paige Fields, dean of the School of Business, said the $50 million commitment was a transformative gift in terms of academic research and student success.

“It will allow our school to further invest in our current mission-driven initiatives, to pursue aspirational objectives and to identify future opportunities, ensuring we continue delivering relevant, innovative business education,” she said.

KU said the donor was inspired by the business school’s accomplishments over time and the more recent strategic planning process initiated in 2017. Internal changes included launching student certificate programs, updating undergraduate curriculum and admissions, creating a master’s degree in business analytics, broadening research incentives for tenure-track faculty and finishing spaces in Capital Federal Hall.

The Capitol Federal Foundation of Topeka committed $20 million in 2012 toward construction of the business school’s current building on the Lawrence campus. At that time, the foundation’s donation was the largest in the KU business school’s history.

In June, the University of Kansas Cancer Center accepted a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and secured $43 million in federal funding to build a state-of-the-art facility to advance research and treatment of cancer on the university’s campus in Kansas City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694109646617.png" alt="An anonymous donor has given the School of Business at the University of Kansas a gift of $50 million to advance the academic work of faculty and serve interests of business students on the Lawrence campus. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>An anonymous donor has given the School of Business at the University of Kansas a gift of $50 million to advance the academic work of faculty and serve interests of business students on the Lawrence campus. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: TIM CARPENTER,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — An anonymous donor gave $50 million to the business school at the University of Kansas to support undergraduate students and faculty research, officials said Tuesday.It represented the largest gift received by the School of Business located on the university’s main campus in Lawrence. The funding has been earmarked to support students through study abroad, entrepreneurship and career-focused programs as well as initiatives tied to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.In addition, the endowment to the business school would be dedicated to improving scholarly output through support of faculty professorships and fellowships.“While a gift of this size is certainly newsworthy, it’s what this gift will enable that is truly worth noting,” said Dan Martin, president of the KU Endowment. “The impact of such a sizable gift will have a ripple effect that extends well beyond this current moment in time.”Paige Fields, dean of the School of Business, said the $50 million commitment was a transformative gift in terms of academic research and student success.“It will allow our school to further invest in our current mission-driven initiatives, to pursue aspirational objectives and to identify future opportunities, ensuring we continue delivering relevant, innovative business education,” she said.KU said the donor was inspired by the business school’s accomplishments over time and the more recent strategic planning process initiated in 2017. Internal changes included launching student certificate programs, updating undergraduate curriculum and admissions, creating a master’s degree in business analytics, broadening research incentives for tenure-track faculty and finishing spaces in Capital Federal Hall.The Capitol Federal Foundation of Topeka committed $20 million in 2012 toward construction of the business school’s current building on the Lawrence campus. At that time, the foundation’s donation was the largest in the KU business school’s history.In June, the University of Kansas Cancer Center accepted a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and secured $43 million in federal funding to build a state-of-the-art facility to advance research and treatment of cancer on the university’s campus in Kansas City, Kansas.

Anonymous benefactor donates $50 million to KU business school

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — In an aggressive move that angered Republicans, the Biden administration canceled the seven remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, overturning sales held in the Trump administration's waning days, and proposed stronger protections against development on vast swaths of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

The Department of Interior's scrapping of the leases comes after the Biden administration disappointed environmental groups earlier this year by approving the Willow oil project in the petroleum reserve, a massive project by ConocoPhillips Alaska that could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day on Alaska's petroleum-rich North Slope. Protections are proposed for more than 20,000 square miles (51,800 square kilometers) of land in the reserve in the western Arctic.

Some critics who said the approval of Willow flew in the face of Biden's pledges to address climate change lauded Wednesday's announcement. But they said more could be done. Litigation over the approval of the Willow project is pending.

"Alaska is home to many of America's most breathtaking natural wonders and culturally significant areas. As the climate crisis warms the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the world, we have a responsibility to protect this treasured region for all ages," Biden said in a statement.

His actions "meet the urgency of the climate crisis" and will "protect our lands and waters for generations to come," Biden said.

Alaska's Republican governor condemned Biden's moves and threatened to sue. And at least one Democratic lawmaker said the decision could hurt Indigenous communities in an isolated region where oil development is an important economic driver.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who drew criticism for her role in the approval of the Willow project, said Wednesday that "no one will have rights to drill for oil in one of the most sensitive landscapes on earth." However, a 2017 law mandates another lease sale by late 2024. Administration officials said they intend to comply with the law.

The Biden administration also announced proposed rules aimed at providing stronger protections against new leasing and development in portions of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska that are designated as special areas for their wildlife, subsistence, scenic or other values. The proposal still must go through public comment. Willow lies within the reserve but was not expected to be affected by the proposed rules.

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's 1.5-million-acre (600,000-hectare) coastal plain, which lies along the Beaufort Sea on Alaska's northeastern edge, is seen as sacred by the Indigenous Gwich'in because it is where caribou they rely on migrate and come to give birth. The plain is marked by hills, rivers and small lakes and tundra. Migratory birds and caribou pass through the plain, which provides habitat for wildlife including polar bears and wolves.

Alaska political leaders — including some Democrats — have long pushed to allow oil and gas drilling in the refuge in part because of its economic impact on Indigenous communities in an area with few other jobs. Many of those same voices pressed Biden to approve the Willow project for the same reason.

"I am deeply frustrated by the reversal of these leases in ANWR," said U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, using a common shorthand for the refuge. "This administration showed that it is capable of listening to Alaskans with the approval of the Willow Project, and it is some of those same Inupiat North Slope communities who are most impacted by this decision. I will continue to advocate for them and for Alaska's ability to explore and develop our natural resources."

Alaska's congressional delegation in 2017 succeeded in getting language added to a federal tax law that called for the U.S. government to hold two lease sales in the region by late 2024.

Drilling opponents on Wednesday urged Congress to repeal the leasing provision from the 2017 law and permanently make the coastal plain off limits to drilling.

"It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of today's announcements for Arctic conservation," said Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society. "Once again, the Arctic Refuge is free of oil leases. Our climate is a bit safer and there is renewed hope for permanently protecting one of the last great wild landscapes in America."

Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan denounced Biden's actions as the latest volley in what he called a "war on Alaska."

Two other leases that were issued as part of the first-of-its-kind sale for the refuge in January 2021 were previously given up by the small companies that held them amid legal wrangling and uncertainty over the drilling program.

After taking office, Biden issued an executive order calling for a temporary moratorium on activities related to the leasing program and for the Interior secretary to review the program. Haaland later in 2021 ordered a new environmental review after concluding there were "multiple legal deficiencies" underlying the Trump-era leasing program. Haaland halted activities related to the leasing program pending the new analysis.

A draft environmental review was released Wednesday.

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state corporation that won seven leases in the 2021 sale, sued over the moratorium. But a federal judge recently found the delay by Interior to conduct a new review was not unreasonable.

The corporation obtained the leases to preserve drilling rights in case oil companies did not come forward. Major oil companies sat out the sale, held after prominent banks had announced they would not finance Arctic oil and gas projects.

Bernadette Demientieff, executive director of the Gwich'in Steering Committee, thanked the administration for the lease cancellation — but issued a warning.

"We know that our sacred land is only temporarily safe from oil and gas development," she said. "We urge the administration and our leaders in Congress to repeal the oil and gas program and permanently protect the Arctic Refuge."

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — In an aggressive move that angered Republicans, the Biden administration canceled the seven remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, overturning sales held in the Trump administration's waning days, and proposed stronger protections against development on vast swaths of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the previous administration in the Arctic Refuge. The Administration also took new action to protect more than 13 million acres in the Western Arctic. <a href="https://t.co/YNStbtLKtZ">pic.twitter.com/YNStbtLKtZ</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1699614544316817445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Department of Interior's scrapping of the leases comes after the Biden administration disappointed environmental groups earlier this year by approving the Willow oil project in the petroleum reserve, a massive project by ConocoPhillips Alaska that could produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day on Alaska's petroleum-rich North Slope. Protections are proposed for more than 20,000 square miles (51,800 square kilometers) of land in the reserve in the western Arctic.Some critics who said the approval of Willow flew in the face of Biden's pledges to address climate change lauded Wednesday's announcement. But they said more could be done. Litigation over the approval of the Willow project is pending."Alaska is home to many of America's most breathtaking natural wonders and culturally significant areas. As the climate crisis warms the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the world, we have a responsibility to protect this treasured region for all ages," Biden said in a statement.His actions "meet the urgency of the climate crisis" and will "protect our lands and waters for generations to come," Biden said.Alaska's Republican governor condemned Biden's moves and threatened to sue. And at least one Democratic lawmaker said the decision could hurt Indigenous communities in an isolated region where oil development is an important economic driver.Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who drew criticism for her role in the approval of the Willow project, said Wednesday that "no one will have rights to drill for oil in one of the most sensitive landscapes on earth." However, a 2017 law mandates another lease sale by late 2024. Administration officials said they intend to comply with the law.The Biden administration also announced proposed rules aimed at providing stronger protections against new leasing and development in portions of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska that are designated as special areas for their wildlife, subsistence, scenic or other values. The proposal still must go through public comment. Willow lies within the reserve but was not expected to be affected by the proposed rules.The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's 1.5-million-acre (600,000-hectare) coastal plain, which lies along the Beaufort Sea on Alaska's northeastern edge, is seen as sacred by the Indigenous Gwich'in because it is where caribou they rely on migrate and come to give birth. The plain is marked by hills, rivers and small lakes and tundra. Migratory birds and caribou pass through the plain, which provides habitat for wildlife including polar bears and wolves.Alaska political leaders — including some Democrats — have long pushed to allow oil and gas drilling in the refuge in part because of its economic impact on Indigenous communities in an area with few other jobs. Many of those same voices pressed Biden to approve the Willow project for the same reason."I am deeply frustrated by the reversal of these leases in ANWR," said U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, using a common shorthand for the refuge. "This administration showed that it is capable of listening to Alaskans with the approval of the Willow Project, and it is some of those same Inupiat North Slope communities who are most impacted by this decision. I will continue to advocate for them and for Alaska's ability to explore and develop our natural resources."Alaska's congressional delegation in 2017 succeeded in getting language added to a federal tax law that called for the U.S. government to hold two lease sales in the region by late 2024.Drilling opponents on Wednesday urged Congress to repeal the leasing provision from the 2017 law and permanently make the coastal plain off limits to drilling."It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of today's announcements for Arctic conservation," said Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society. "Once again, the Arctic Refuge is free of oil leases. Our climate is a bit safer and there is renewed hope for permanently protecting one of the last great wild landscapes in America."Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan denounced Biden's actions as the latest volley in what he called a "war on Alaska."Two other leases that were issued as part of the first-of-its-kind sale for the refuge in January 2021 were previously given up by the small companies that held them amid legal wrangling and uncertainty over the drilling program.After taking office, Biden issued an executive order calling for a temporary moratorium on activities related to the leasing program and for the Interior secretary to review the program. Haaland later in 2021 ordered a new environmental review after concluding there were "multiple legal deficiencies" underlying the Trump-era leasing program. Haaland halted activities related to the leasing program pending the new analysis.A draft environmental review was released Wednesday.The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state corporation that won seven leases in the 2021 sale, sued over the moratorium. But a federal judge recently found the delay by Interior to conduct a new review was not unreasonable.The corporation obtained the leases to preserve drilling rights in case oil companies did not come forward. Major oil companies sat out the sale, held after prominent banks had announced they would not finance Arctic oil and gas projects.Bernadette Demientieff, executive director of the Gwich'in Steering Committee, thanked the administration for the lease cancellation — but issued a warning."We know that our sacred land is only temporarily safe from oil and gas development," she said. "We urge the administration and our leaders in Congress to repeal the oil and gas program and permanently protect the Arctic Refuge."___

Biden cancels remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic

Facility struggled with violence, suicides, drug use and understaffing when it held pre-trial detainees facing charges in federal courts

By RACHEL MIPRO,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A private pre-trial detention center in Leavenworth beset with violence when it closed in 2021 could house individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.&nbsp;

For years, Nashville-based CoreCivic operated the Leavenworth Detention Center, which held individuals charged —&nbsp;but not convicted —&nbsp;with federal crimes from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and western Missouri. Now, it could reopen to house undocumented immigrants facing removal.

“We haven’t even made a decision because we can’t until we are in an open meeting and we debate and we figure out what we do want to do or not,” said Leavenworth County Commission Chair Vicky Kaaz.&nbsp;

She emphasized in an interview that the commission had yet to even hear the details of a possible arrangement.&nbsp;

When CoreCivic’s Leavenworth facility held pre-trial detainees under a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service, the private jail&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/07/for-profit-kansas-prison-an-understaffed-hell-hole-of-violence-death-and-drugs/">struggled with staffing crises, rampant drug use and persistent violence</a>. It’s being&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/25/former-detainee-sues-defunct-for-profit-jail-in-leavenworth-over-2021-stabbing/">sued by a former inmate</a>&nbsp;whose lawsuit includes allegations of at least 10 stabbings in 2021 and two suicides.

In 2019,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2019-08-26/leavenworth-inmates-reach-1-45-million-settlement-over-taped-attorney-client-phone-calls">CoreCivic settled with 500 detainees for $1.45 million</a>&nbsp;for illegally recording phone calls with their defense attorneys and providing them to prosecutors.

The facility closed at the end of 2021 when CoreCivic’s contract with the U.S. Marshals Service expired. President Joe Biden, in his first week in office,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/26/executive-order-reforming-our-incarceration-system-to-eliminate-the-use-of-privately-operated-criminal-detention-facilities/">signed an executive order barring the Department of Justice</a>&nbsp;from renewing contracts with private criminal detention facilities.&nbsp;

But ICE falls under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;

The future of the CoreCivic facility has been the subject of speculation for almost two years, but ICE had previously said it was not pursuing a contract for the Leavenworth facility,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-06/leavenworth-prison-beset-by-reports-of-violence-and-mismanagement-faces-uncertain-future">KCUR reported in 2021</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin said in an email that ICE is in the process of procuring detention services in the area.&nbsp;

“Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we do not elaborate on any proposals that may have been submitted in response to active procurements,” Gustin said.&nbsp;

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Since CoreCivic closed in 2021, the company has reached out to the county several times about efforts to reopen the facility, County Administrator Mark Loughry said during a Leavenworth County Commission meeting Wednesday.&nbsp;

But Loughry said such efforts have never gotten far with the federal government, though that “may have changed” in the last month.

Loughry updated commissioners on the possible arrangement Wednesday after rumors began circulating on social media over the weekend.&nbsp;

“It’s not an agenda item, and it may never be an agenda item,” Loughry said. “But because of the false narratives that are out there, I just wanted to kind of put out what we know.”

Kaaz said she had gotten angry notes from residents over the possibility since Kansas Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Leavenworth,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/PatProctorKS/posts/701857565094683">posted on Facebook</a>&nbsp;this Saturday urging followers to reach out to commissioners, “if you don’t want immigration bringing their self-induced border crisis to our doorstep.”

Loughry said reopening the facility would create 350 jobs, and the county could receive an administrative fee between $600,000 and $800,000 for acting as an intermediary. The value of the facility would also rebound if it opened again, Loughry said, meaning CoreCivic’s property tax bill to the county would rise.

The facility, Loughry said, could house between 500 and 900 detainees —&nbsp;all adults. They would be individuals who had been detained in the Midwest, not people who had just come across the border.&nbsp;

Commissioner Mike Stieben proposed a motion for the commission to refuse to entertain a possible arrangement.&nbsp;

“I don’t want to see us go down this road of wasting weeks of staff time having to hear from people when I think this is a totally bad idea,” he said.&nbsp;

The motion failed 2-3. Commissioners voting against Stieben said they didn’t want to turn down any arrangement before hearing the details.&nbsp;

The ACLU of Kansas decried the possibility of CoreCivic operating an ICE facility in a news release Wednesday. Sharon Brett, the chapter’s legal director, said the company was “plainly unable to run a facility that meets even the bare minimum of standards afforded by our Constitution.”

“CoreCivic demonstrated a consistent and deliberate indifference to mitigating the dangerous and unconstitutional conditions in the Leavenworth facility, as it has elsewhere in the country,” Brett said.

She said Leavenworth County “should not invite CoreCivic back to once again abuse individuals’ human and civil rights.”

Michael Sharma-Crawford, an immigration attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, said he was concerned attorneys wouldn’t be able to get in touch with their clients easily at a CoreCivic facility.&nbsp;

Right now, Sharma-Crawford works with clients in custody at the Chase County Jail in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, where he said families and clients have better access to legal counsel. The proposed arrangement would “greatly impede a noncitizens’ ability to seek help when they need it most,” he said.&nbsp;

“If access to counsel and due process are to mean anything,” he said, “perhaps ICE should reconsider their efforts to thwart both by their current efforts to use (CoreCivic) as a holding facility.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574019674964.png" alt="CoreCivic's Leavenworth Detention Center, which previously held pre-trial detainees charged with federal crimes could become a detention facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>CoreCivic's Leavenworth Detention Center, which previously held pre-trial detainees charged with federal crimes could become a detention facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Facility struggled with violence, suicides, drug use and understaffing when it held pre-trial detainees facing charges in federal courts</h2>By RACHEL MIPRO,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>A private pre-trial detention center in Leavenworth beset with violence when it closed in 2021 could house individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.&nbsp;For years, Nashville-based CoreCivic operated the Leavenworth Detention Center, which held individuals charged —&nbsp;but not convicted —&nbsp;with federal crimes from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and western Missouri. Now, it could reopen to house undocumented immigrants facing removal.“We haven’t even made a decision because we can’t until we are in an open meeting and we debate and we figure out what we do want to do or not,” said Leavenworth County Commission Chair Vicky Kaaz.&nbsp;She emphasized in an interview that the commission had yet to even hear the details of a possible arrangement.&nbsp;When CoreCivic’s Leavenworth facility held pre-trial detainees under a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service, the private jail&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/07/for-profit-kansas-prison-an-understaffed-hell-hole-of-violence-death-and-drugs/">struggled with staffing crises, rampant drug use and persistent violence</a>. It’s being&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/25/former-detainee-sues-defunct-for-profit-jail-in-leavenworth-over-2021-stabbing/">sued by a former inmate</a>&nbsp;whose lawsuit includes allegations of at least 10 stabbings in 2021 and two suicides.In 2019,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2019-08-26/leavenworth-inmates-reach-1-45-million-settlement-over-taped-attorney-client-phone-calls">CoreCivic settled with 500 detainees for $1.45 million</a>&nbsp;for illegally recording phone calls with their defense attorneys and providing them to prosecutors.The facility closed at the end of 2021 when CoreCivic’s contract with the U.S. Marshals Service expired. President Joe Biden, in his first week in office,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/26/executive-order-reforming-our-incarceration-system-to-eliminate-the-use-of-privately-operated-criminal-detention-facilities/">signed an executive order barring the Department of Justice</a>&nbsp;from renewing contracts with private criminal detention facilities.&nbsp;But ICE falls under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.&nbsp;The future of the CoreCivic facility has been the subject of speculation for almost two years, but ICE had previously said it was not pursuing a contract for the Leavenworth facility,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-06/leavenworth-prison-beset-by-reports-of-violence-and-mismanagement-faces-uncertain-future">KCUR reported in 2021</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin said in an email that ICE is in the process of procuring detention services in the area.&nbsp;“Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we do not elaborate on any proposals that may have been submitted in response to active procurements,” Gustin said.&nbsp;ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;Since CoreCivic closed in 2021, the company has reached out to the county several times about efforts to reopen the facility, County Administrator Mark Loughry said during a Leavenworth County Commission meeting Wednesday.&nbsp;But Loughry said such efforts have never gotten far with the federal government, though that “may have changed” in the last month.Loughry updated commissioners on the possible arrangement Wednesday after rumors began circulating on social media over the weekend.&nbsp;“It’s not an agenda item, and it may never be an agenda item,” Loughry said. “But because of the false narratives that are out there, I just wanted to kind of put out what we know.”Kaaz said she had gotten angry notes from residents over the possibility since Kansas Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Leavenworth,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/PatProctorKS/posts/701857565094683">posted on Facebook</a>&nbsp;this Saturday urging followers to reach out to commissioners, “if you don’t want immigration bringing their self-induced border crisis to our doorstep.”Loughry said reopening the facility would create 350 jobs, and the county could receive an administrative fee between $600,000 and $800,000 for acting as an intermediary. The value of the facility would also rebound if it opened again, Loughry said, meaning CoreCivic’s property tax bill to the county would rise.The facility, Loughry said, could house between 500 and 900 detainees —&nbsp;all adults. They would be individuals who had been detained in the Midwest, not people who had just come across the border.&nbsp;Commissioner Mike Stieben proposed a motion for the commission to refuse to entertain a possible arrangement.&nbsp;“I don’t want to see us go down this road of wasting weeks of staff time having to hear from people when I think this is a totally bad idea,” he said.&nbsp;The motion failed 2-3. Commissioners voting against Stieben said they didn’t want to turn down any arrangement before hearing the details.&nbsp;The ACLU of Kansas decried the possibility of CoreCivic operating an ICE facility in a news release Wednesday. Sharon Brett, the chapter’s legal director, said the company was “plainly unable to run a facility that meets even the bare minimum of standards afforded by our Constitution.”“CoreCivic demonstrated a consistent and deliberate indifference to mitigating the dangerous and unconstitutional conditions in the Leavenworth facility, as it has elsewhere in the country,” Brett said.She said Leavenworth County “should not invite CoreCivic back to once again abuse individuals’ human and civil rights.”Michael Sharma-Crawford, an immigration attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, said he was concerned attorneys wouldn’t be able to get in touch with their clients easily at a CoreCivic facility.&nbsp;Right now, Sharma-Crawford works with clients in custody at the Chase County Jail in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, where he said families and clients have better access to legal counsel. The proposed arrangement would “greatly impede a noncitizens’ ability to seek help when they need it most,” he said.&nbsp;“If access to counsel and due process are to mean anything,” he said, “perhaps ICE should reconsider their efforts to thwart both by their current efforts to use (CoreCivic) as a holding facility.”

Shuttered private jail in Kansas could become ICE detention center

RILEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Thursday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Explorer driven by Brandon Lane&nbsp;Hanschu, 42, Manhattan, was westbound on Kansas 18 just east of Scenic Drive.

The SUV struck the remains of a dead deer, lost control and struck two pedestrians identified as 20-year-old Jhon Paulo&nbsp;Reid and 24-year-old Jarde Lachelle Hill both of Manhattan.

Reid was checking his vehicle on the left inside shoulder from a non injury accident that had occurred just prior.&nbsp; Hill was checking her vehicle on the left inside shoulder from a car vs deer non injury accident that had also occurred just prior. 

EMS transported Reid and Hill to Via Christi in Manhattan where Reid was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Hanschu was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694106256161.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 5:30a.m. Thursday in Riley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Explorer driven by Brandon Lane&nbsp;Hanschu, 42, Manhattan, was westbound on Kansas 18 just east of Scenic Drive.The SUV struck the remains of a dead deer, lost control and struck two pedestrians identified as 20-year-old Jhon Paulo&nbsp;Reid and 24-year-old Jarde Lachelle Hill both of Manhattan.Reid was checking his vehicle on the left inside shoulder from a non injury accident that had occurred just prior.&nbsp; Hill was checking her vehicle on the left inside shoulder from a car vs deer non injury accident that had also occurred just prior. EMS transported Reid and Hill to Via Christi in Manhattan where Reid was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Hanschu was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

Fatal crash: SUV strikes dead deer, pedestrians on Kan. highway

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 4:30p.m. Sept. 2, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a police observed a vehicle traveling in the area of 8th Street and Washington Street in Great Bend with a driver 51-year-old&nbsp; Mark Miller who the officer recognized and knew to have a suspended drivers license, according to a media release.

The vehicle pulled in and parked behind a closed business in the 2500 block of 10th Street. A female passenger exited the vehicle, and began walking away as soon as the officer got behind the vehicle. K9 Menta was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle, and indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics.

The female passenger that left the vehicle, identified as 34-year-old Davina Demoret, age 34, was located and detained, as well as another passenger, identified as&nbsp; 56-year-old Lisa Whiting.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, and methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a pair of brass knuckles were located. 

All three individuals were placed under arrest, and booked in lieu of $10,000 bonds at the Barton County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694094170063.jpeg" alt="Mark Miller-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Mark Miller-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.Just after 4:30p.m. Sept. 2, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a police observed a vehicle traveling in the area of 8th Street and Washington Street in Great Bend with a driver 51-year-old&nbsp; Mark Miller who the officer recognized and knew to have a suspended drivers license, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694094212838.jpeg" alt="Whiting-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Whiting-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The vehicle pulled in and parked behind a closed business in the 2500 block of 10th Street. A female passenger exited the vehicle, and began walking away as soon as the officer got behind the vehicle. K9 Menta was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle, and indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694094189686.jpeg" alt="Davina Demoret-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Davina Demoret-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The female passenger that left the vehicle, identified as 34-year-old Davina Demoret, age 34, was located and detained, as well as another passenger, identified as&nbsp; 56-year-old Lisa Whiting.A search of the vehicle was conducted, and methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a pair of brass knuckles were located. All three individuals were placed under arrest, and booked in lieu of $10,000 bonds at the Barton County Jail.

Kansas deputy finds meth, brass knuckles during traffic stop

UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. (AP) — Three 15-year-olds died when the car one of them was driving slammed into a vacant brick home near St. Louis.

Police said the 2016 Hyundai Accent involved in the accident Wednesday morning was owned by the driver's mother, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/3-ladue-high-students-killed-after-crashing-car-into-vacant-university-city-home/article_b9cdb748-4cd7-11ee-a755-874a63ef1695.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported. The Missouri State Highway Patrol report said the car was “traveling too fast for conditions” when it failed to make a curve and crashed into the home in University City, Missouri. The crash was reported around 6:30 a.m.

All three teens — classmates at the same high school — were pronounced dead at the scene. Police on Thursday identified them: Deion Robinson was the driver, with passengers Johnnie Ursery and Demetrius Ingram.

The legal driving age in Missouri is 16. Fifteen-year-olds can obtain a permit allowing them to drive, but only with a licensed adult in the vehicle.

University City police asked the highway patrol to handle the investigation. Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson said police had tried hours earlier to pull over a car similar to the one that struck the house, but lost sight of it. They were searching for the car prior to the accident.

St. Louis Alderman Sharon Tyus, who came to the house after the crash, said she and her husband bought it a few years ago and were renovating it with plans to rent it out.

UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. (AP) — Three 15-year-olds died when the car one of them was driving slammed into a vacant brick home near St. Louis.Police said the 2016 Hyundai Accent involved in the accident Wednesday morning was owned by the driver's mother, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/3-ladue-high-students-killed-after-crashing-car-into-vacant-university-city-home/article_b9cdb748-4cd7-11ee-a755-874a63ef1695.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported. The Missouri State Highway Patrol report said the car was “traveling too fast for conditions” when it failed to make a curve and crashed into the home in University City, Missouri. The crash was reported around 6:30 a.m.All three teens — classmates at the same high school — were pronounced dead at the scene. Police on Thursday identified them: Deion Robinson was the driver, with passengers Johnnie Ursery and Demetrius Ingram.The legal driving age in Missouri is 16. Fifteen-year-olds can obtain a permit allowing them to drive, but only with a licensed adult in the vehicle.University City police asked the highway patrol to handle the investigation. Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson said police had tried hours earlier to pull over a car similar to the one that struck the house, but lost sight of it. They were searching for the car prior to the accident.St. Louis Alderman Sharon Tyus, who came to the house after the crash, said she and her husband bought it a few years ago and were renovating it with plans to rent it out.