HUTCHINSON — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is demanding that President Biden's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms drop a proposed rule that he says violates the Second Amendment.

"This letter is a comment to a proposed regulation," Kobach said. "We were joined by 25 other state attorneys general from across the country. This is not just me speaking. This is a concern voiced by a majority of states in our nation. What this rule would do is basically redefine who is a firearms dealer. The old definition, which is the one you and I would think is a reasonable one is if you repetitively sell firearms for a livelihood. This new definition that they are proposing would basically indicate that if you just sell one firearm, there's no minimum, sell one firearm for a profit, there's no clear definition of what a profit is, you might be a dealer and it would be illegal for you to sell that firearm unless you have a federal firearms license."

Kobach notes that this would chill a lot of gun sales in this country.

"Americans have been selling firearms between friends and family for as long as there have been firearms, for as long as this has been a country," Kobach said. "This is an effort by the ATF to quietly broaden the definition, so that it's almost impossible for us to do that."

If it becomes necessary to fight the regulation in court, Kobach is prepared for that.

"Hey, this violates the 2nd Amendment, don't do this," Kobach said. "If you do this, we don't say it directly in the letter, but the implication is, we may take the federal government to court."

In addition to the Arizona State Legislature and Attorney General Kobach, the attorneys general of the following states also signed the letter: Iowa, Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654635365476.png" alt="Photo Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp;Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is demanding that President Biden's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms drop a proposed rule that he says violates the Second Amendment."This letter is a comment to a proposed regulation," Kobach said. "We were joined by 25 other state attorneys general from across the country. This is not just me speaking. This is a concern voiced by a majority of states in our nation. What this rule would do is basically redefine who is a firearms dealer. The old definition, which is the one you and I would think is a reasonable one is if you repetitively sell firearms for a livelihood. This new definition that they are proposing would basically indicate that if you just sell one firearm, there's no minimum, sell one firearm for a profit, there's no clear definition of what a profit is, you might be a dealer and it would be illegal for you to sell that firearm unless you have a federal firearms license."Kobach notes that this would chill a lot of gun sales in this country."Americans have been selling firearms between friends and family for as long as there have been firearms, for as long as this has been a country," Kobach said. "This is an effort by the ATF to quietly broaden the definition, so that it's almost impossible for us to do that."If it becomes necessary to fight the regulation in court, Kobach is prepared for that."Hey, this violates the 2nd Amendment, don't do this," Kobach said. "If you do this, we don't say it directly in the letter, but the implication is, we may take the federal government to court."In addition to the Arizona State Legislature and Attorney General Kobach, the attorneys general of the following states also signed the letter: Iowa, Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Kansas AG: Proposed ATF rule is unconstitutional

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

TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran accused a federal agency of attempting to thwart congressional intent through implementation of a reform law addressing bias, mismanagement and monopoly control of the national organ procurement and transplant network.

Moran, a Kansas Republican, began calling in 2018 for changes to the nonprofit United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) of Richmond, Virginia. For decades, UNOS has held the government contract to operate a network to match donor organs with patients on waiting lists. It manages retrieval and delivery as well as sets policy for prioritizing distribution of kidneys, livers and other organs in the United States.

President Joe Biden signed in September a law requiring the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to break the monopoly contract held by UNOS.

“We thought with passage of this legislation … that we were finally giving those waiting for a transplant something called hope,” Moran said in a speech on the U.S. Senate floor. “Our goals were good: To increase the competition for this contract, to eliminate that good-old-boy network.”

Moran said HRSA wasn’t adhering to congressional intent of the bipartisan law. He objected to the agency’s intention to restrict competition for new contracts to nonprofit organizations, such as UNOS, to the exclusion of for-profit businesses. HRSA announced a plan to issue initial transition contracts lasting up to five years, which raised concern change sought by Congress and patient groups could be slowed.

HRSA also showed willingness to allow UNOS’ board to retain oversight of the network rather pivot to an independent board, Moran said.

“This isn’t just some bureaucracy that’s doing something that doesn’t make sense to us,” Moran said. “This is an agency, a bureaucracy, a system that is damaging the capability of Kansans and Americans to get lifesaving treatment with the transplant of an organ.”

UNOS chief executive officer Maureen McBride said the organization would pursue revised organ transplant network contracts and welcomed competition from applicants, the Richmond Times-Dispatch said. UNOS’ management contract expired in September, but it was awarded a six-month extension.

UNOS was accused in congressional testimony or by critics of targeting whistleblowers, losing and damaging donated organs in transit, relying on an antiquated information technology system and directing organs from rural, high-donation states to urban, low-donor regions.

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, said there was no reason to limit competition in selection of contractors to manage the organ donation network. HRSA is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“The organ transplant business and network has been in shambles for decades, and people have needlessly died because of it,” Grassley said. “Patient advocacy organizations are rightfully concerned that HHS is caving to bad actors who’ve been running our nation’s organ donation system since 1986.”

Grassley said he sought to reform the “corrupt and broken” donation and transplant system since 2005. He asserted more than 200,000 Americans “needlessly died on the transplant waiting list,” with the toll disproportionately detrimental to people of color of those residing in rural areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703012393344.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, says an agency of the Biden administration has been working to undercut intent of federal contracting reform designed to improve management of the national organ donor and transplant network. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, says an agency of the Biden administration has been working to undercut intent of federal contracting reform designed to improve management of the national organ donor and transplant network. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran accused a federal agency of attempting to thwart congressional intent through implementation of a reform law addressing bias, mismanagement and monopoly control of the national organ procurement and transplant network.Moran, a Kansas Republican, began calling in 2018 for changes to the nonprofit United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) of Richmond, Virginia. For decades, UNOS has held the government contract to operate a network to match donor organs with patients on waiting lists. It manages retrieval and delivery as well as sets policy for prioritizing distribution of kidneys, livers and other organs in the United States.President Joe Biden signed in September a law requiring the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to break the monopoly contract held by UNOS.“We thought with passage of this legislation … that we were finally giving those waiting for a transplant something called hope,” Moran said in a speech on the U.S. Senate floor. “Our goals were good: To increase the competition for this contract, to eliminate that good-old-boy network.”Moran said HRSA wasn’t adhering to congressional intent of the bipartisan law. He objected to the agency’s intention to restrict competition for new contracts to nonprofit organizations, such as UNOS, to the exclusion of for-profit businesses. HRSA announced a plan to issue initial transition contracts lasting up to five years, which raised concern change sought by Congress and patient groups could be slowed.HRSA also showed willingness to allow UNOS’ board to retain oversight of the network rather pivot to an independent board, Moran said.“This isn’t just some bureaucracy that’s doing something that doesn’t make sense to us,” Moran said. “This is an agency, a bureaucracy, a system that is damaging the capability of Kansans and Americans to get lifesaving treatment with the transplant of an organ.”UNOS chief executive officer Maureen McBride said the organization would pursue revised organ transplant network contracts and welcomed competition from applicants, the Richmond Times-Dispatch said. UNOS’ management contract expired in September, but it was awarded a six-month extension.UNOS was accused in congressional testimony or by critics of targeting whistleblowers, losing and damaging donated organs in transit, relying on an antiquated information technology system and directing organs from rural, high-donation states to urban, low-donor regions.U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, said there was no reason to limit competition in selection of contractors to manage the organ donation network. HRSA is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).“The organ transplant business and network has been in shambles for decades, and people have needlessly died because of it,” Grassley said. “Patient advocacy organizations are rightfully concerned that HHS is caving to bad actors who’ve been running our nation’s organ donation system since 1986.”Grassley said he sought to reform the “corrupt and broken” donation and transplant system since 2005. He asserted more than 200,000 Americans “needlessly died on the transplant waiting list,” with the toll disproportionately detrimental to people of color of those residing in rural areas.

Moran asserts implementation of U.S. organ donor reform cuts against congressional intent

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

Just after 2p.m. December 15, sheriff's deputies and investigators executed a narcotic search warrant in the 700 block of Market Street in Osage City, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

A resident of the address, Jacky L. Wolf Jr., 37, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana and No drug tax stamp

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Osage City Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702822474825.png" alt="Wolf-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Wolf-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.Just after 2p.m. December 15, sheriff's deputies and investigators executed a narcotic search warrant in the 700 block of Market Street in Osage City, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.A resident of the address, Jacky L. Wolf Jr., 37, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana and No drug tax stampThe Osage County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Osage City Police Department.

Sheriff: Man was selling meth from his Kansas home

By BECKY GOFF&nbsp;Little Apple Post

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a high school wrestling coach on multiple allegations.

On Monday, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office was contacted about multiple allegations of offenses against minors and were requested to come to the USD 329 Wabaunsee County Schools District Offices in Alma, according to a media release.

Deputies found 30-year-old, Tyler Douglass of Alma waiting for them.

Evidence obtained by Deputies at the District Office led to the arrest of Douglass, who was taken into custody on requested charges of Contributing to a Child's Misconduct and Furnishing Alcohol to Minors. Douglass was transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail and later bonded out.

&nbsp;"In light of the ongoing investigation, Mr. Douglass has been placed on administrative leave, prioritizing the safety of our students.&nbsp; We are fully cooperating with law enforcement, according to USD 329 Superintendent Troy Pitsch.

"Regarding the district's handling of this situation, decisions will be made in the best interest of our students, and any necessary updates will be communicated accordingly."

Douglass has been the Wabaunsee High School wrestling coach since December 2021. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office.

By BECKY GOFF&nbsp;Little Apple PostWABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a high school wrestling coach on multiple allegations.On Monday, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office was contacted about multiple allegations of offenses against minors and were requested to come to the USD 329 Wabaunsee County Schools District Offices in Alma, according to a media release.Deputies found 30-year-old, Tyler Douglass of Alma waiting for them.Evidence obtained by Deputies at the District Office led to the arrest of Douglass, who was taken into custody on requested charges of Contributing to a Child's Misconduct and Furnishing Alcohol to Minors. Douglass was transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail and later bonded out.&nbsp;"In light of the ongoing investigation, Mr. Douglass has been placed on administrative leave, prioritizing the safety of our students.&nbsp; We are fully cooperating with law enforcement, according to USD 329 Superintendent Troy Pitsch."Regarding the district's handling of this situation, decisions will be made in the best interest of our students, and any necessary updates will be communicated accordingly."Douglass has been the Wabaunsee High School wrestling coach since December 2021. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office.

Kan. high school wrestling coach accused of crimes involving children

HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man jailed after allegedly shooting his wife is facing updated requested charges.

On Tuesday, the city of Newton reported 74-year-old Peggy Altum died over the weekend.

Just before 2a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace Drive in Newton, according to a media release from from police.

A man at the house identified as 70-year-old Edward Altum reported his 74-year-old wife had been shot and refused to answer any further questions.

EMS transported the victim to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Police arrested Edward Altum, the victim's husband. He remains jailed on an updated requested charge of first-degree-murder.

Police also recovered a gun at the scene, according to the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702667856753.png" alt="Altum-photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Altum-photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man jailed after allegedly shooting his wife is facing updated requested charges.On Tuesday, the city of Newton reported 74-year-old Peggy Altum died over the weekend.Just before 2a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace Drive in Newton, according to a media release from from police.A man at the house identified as 70-year-old Edward Altum reported his 74-year-old wife had been shot and refused to answer any further questions.EMS transported the victim to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Police arrested Edward Altum, the victim's husband. He remains jailed on an updated requested charge of first-degree-murder.Police also recovered a gun at the scene, according to the release.

Kan. man accused of shooting his wife now faces murder charge

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines will pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement to resolve a federal investigation into a debacle in December 2022 when the airline canceled thousands of flights and stranded more than 2 million travelers over the holidays.

Most of the settlement will go toward compensating future passengers, which the U.S. Department of Transportation considers an incentive for Southwest to avoid repeating last winter’s mess.

The government said the assessment was the largest it has ever imposed on an airline for violating consumer protection laws.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the settlement demonstrates his agency’s resolve to make airlines take care of their passengers.

Southwest said it was “grateful to have reached a consumer-friendly settlement” that gives the airline credit for compensation it already provided to customers. The airline said it has “learned from the event, and now can shift its entire focus to the future.”

The assessment stems from nearly 17,000 canceled flights a year ago, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-plants-dallas-district-of-columbia-business-d2034f41df7a4f78de02db8aa4ba11df" target="_blank">started as</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-forecast-updates-d0808da42ce16e8a0ca4541b747572cb" target="_blank">winter storm</a>&nbsp;paralyzed Southwest operations in Denver and Chicago and then snowballed when a crew-rescheduling system couldn’t keep up with the chaos.

Even before the settlement, the nation’s fourth-biggest airline by revenue said the meltdown cost it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-c679b26a8efe039f1881a2edb6535d01" target="_blank">more than $1.1 billion</a>&nbsp;in refunds and reimbursements, extra costs and lost ticket sales over several months.

The government said in a consent decree dated Friday that Southwest “violated the law on numerous occasions,” including by failing to help customers who were stranded in airports and hotels, leaving many of them to scramble for other flights.

Many who called the airline’s overwhelmed customer service center got a busy signal or were stuck on hold for hours.

Southwest also did not keep customers updated about canceled and delayed flights, failing to fulfill a requirement that airlines notify the public within 30 minutes of a change. Some said they never got an email or text notice and couldn’t access Southwest’s website.

The government also charged Southwest did not provide refunds quickly enough. People who made a mistake entering details in refund requests to a special Southwest website were not told to fix the error; they simply didn’t get the money. Others didn’t receive immediate refunds for things like pet fees and boarding upgrades that went unused because of canceled flights, according to the department.

In the consent order, Dallas-based Southwest disputed many of the Transportation Department’s findings.

Southwest said that only a small percentage of refunds were issued late and that it never gave false promises about long wait times for reaching customer service during weather-related disruptions. Still, the company said it entered the agreement just to settle the matter.

Southwest said the 2022 storm that produced record cold temperatures, blizzards and power outages a few days before Christmas created “unanticipated operational challenges.” The airline said it quickly began reimbursing travelers for meals, hotels and alternative transportation and also distributed frequent flyer points.

Southwest has added trucks and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-cancellations-technology-weather-314069ab4bb9de5eb804c566927606ec" target="_blank">de-icing equipment</a>&nbsp;and will increase staff during extreme cold temperatures at key airports such as Denver, CEO Robert Jordan said.

Southwest had previously agreed to make more than $600 million in refunds and reimbursements. Still, the carrier disclosed in October that federal officials found its efforts fell short and the carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-december-cancellations-04b7dcd50716b5ce0cccfc32457160e0" target="_blank">could face a civil penalty</a>&nbsp;over its service to customers.

The settlement provides that in addition to the $35 million fine, Southwest will get $33 million in credit for compensation already handed out, mostly for giving 25,000 frequent flyer points each, worth about $300, to affected customers. The company promised to give out $90 million in vouchers to future travelers.

Starting next spring and running until April 2027, Southwest will provide a voucher of at least $75 to travelers who request them if they reach their destination at least three hours late because of a delay or flight cancellation caused by the airline.

The government values vouchers at 80% of their face value, so Southwest received credit for $72 million for the future vouchers, not the full $90 million to be distributed over three years. If Southwest pays out less than $30 million in any of those years, it will owe the government a penalty of 80% of any shortfall.

In exchange for Southwest agreeing to the fine and other measures, the government stopped short of deciding whether the airline advertised a flight schedule that it knew could not be kept. Buttigieg had raised that charge publicly.

The Transportation Department said it reviewed thousands of consumer complaints, visited Southwest facilities and met with senior company officials during the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672191058148.png" alt="Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights last December in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S- photo courtesy KMGH" />
 <figcaption>Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights last December in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S- photo courtesy KMGH</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines will pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement to resolve a federal investigation into a debacle in December 2022 when the airline canceled thousands of flights and stranded more than 2 million travelers over the holidays.Most of the settlement will go toward compensating future passengers, which the U.S. Department of Transportation considers an incentive for Southwest to avoid repeating last winter’s mess.The government said the assessment was the largest it has ever imposed on an airline for violating consumer protection laws.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the settlement demonstrates his agency’s resolve to make airlines take care of their passengers.Southwest said it was “grateful to have reached a consumer-friendly settlement” that gives the airline credit for compensation it already provided to customers. The airline said it has “learned from the event, and now can shift its entire focus to the future.”The assessment stems from nearly 17,000 canceled flights a year ago, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-plants-dallas-district-of-columbia-business-d2034f41df7a4f78de02db8aa4ba11df" target="_blank">started as</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-forecast-updates-d0808da42ce16e8a0ca4541b747572cb" target="_blank">winter storm</a>&nbsp;paralyzed Southwest operations in Denver and Chicago and then snowballed when a crew-rescheduling system couldn’t keep up with the chaos.Even before the settlement, the nation’s fourth-biggest airline by revenue said the meltdown cost it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-c679b26a8efe039f1881a2edb6535d01" target="_blank">more than $1.1 billion</a>&nbsp;in refunds and reimbursements, extra costs and lost ticket sales over several months.The government said in a consent decree dated Friday that Southwest “violated the law on numerous occasions,” including by failing to help customers who were stranded in airports and hotels, leaving many of them to scramble for other flights.Many who called the airline’s overwhelmed customer service center got a busy signal or were stuck on hold for hours.Southwest also did not keep customers updated about canceled and delayed flights, failing to fulfill a requirement that airlines notify the public within 30 minutes of a change. Some said they never got an email or text notice and couldn’t access Southwest’s website.The government also charged Southwest did not provide refunds quickly enough. People who made a mistake entering details in refund requests to a special Southwest website were not told to fix the error; they simply didn’t get the money. Others didn’t receive immediate refunds for things like pet fees and boarding upgrades that went unused because of canceled flights, according to the department.In the consent order, Dallas-based Southwest disputed many of the Transportation Department’s findings.Southwest said that only a small percentage of refunds were issued late and that it never gave false promises about long wait times for reaching customer service during weather-related disruptions. Still, the company said it entered the agreement just to settle the matter.Southwest said the 2022 storm that produced record cold temperatures, blizzards and power outages a few days before Christmas created “unanticipated operational challenges.” The airline said it quickly began reimbursing travelers for meals, hotels and alternative transportation and also distributed frequent flyer points.Southwest has added trucks and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-cancellations-technology-weather-314069ab4bb9de5eb804c566927606ec" target="_blank">de-icing equipment</a>&nbsp;and will increase staff during extreme cold temperatures at key airports such as Denver, CEO Robert Jordan said.Southwest had previously agreed to make more than $600 million in refunds and reimbursements. Still, the carrier disclosed in October that federal officials found its efforts fell short and the carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-december-cancellations-04b7dcd50716b5ce0cccfc32457160e0" target="_blank">could face a civil penalty</a>&nbsp;over its service to customers.The settlement provides that in addition to the $35 million fine, Southwest will get $33 million in credit for compensation already handed out, mostly for giving 25,000 frequent flyer points each, worth about $300, to affected customers. The company promised to give out $90 million in vouchers to future travelers.Starting next spring and running until April 2027, Southwest will provide a voucher of at least $75 to travelers who request them if they reach their destination at least three hours late because of a delay or flight cancellation caused by the airline.The government values vouchers at 80% of their face value, so Southwest received credit for $72 million for the future vouchers, not the full $90 million to be distributed over three years. If Southwest pays out less than $30 million in any of those years, it will owe the government a penalty of 80% of any shortfall.In exchange for Southwest agreeing to the fine and other measures, the government stopped short of deciding whether the airline advertised a flight schedule that it knew could not be kept. Buttigieg had raised that charge publicly.The Transportation Department said it reviewed thousands of consumer complaints, visited Southwest facilities and met with senior company officials during the investigation.

$90M in vouchers for future travelers after holiday travel nightmare

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and arrested a 15-year-old boy.

Just after 9 p.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to a shooting call to the 3000 block of South Everett in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. 

First responders located a 15-year-old victim with two gunshot wounds to his abdominal area. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. The victim underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition Monday.

Preliminary investigation revealed that during the commission of a crime, a 15-year-old suspect shot the victim. Detectives are still working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.&nbsp;

Police have not released all the requested charges the teen suspect faces.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and arrested a 15-year-old boy.Just after 9 p.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to a shooting call to the 3000 block of South Everett in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. First responders located a 15-year-old victim with two gunshot wounds to his abdominal area. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. The victim underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition Monday.Preliminary investigation revealed that during the commission of a crime, a 15-year-old suspect shot the victim. Detectives are still working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.&nbsp;Police have not released all the requested charges the teen suspect faces.

Police: 15-year-old accused of shooting Kan. teen victim 

RENO COUNTY — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded Monday afternoon to Cargill Salt for a report of two workers stuck on a hydraulic man lift, according to a media release.

Firefighters found the lift about 70 feet above ground. It was having mechanical problems and could not lower the men to the ground. Hutch Fire used a 100-foot aerial ladder to maneuver into position and transfer the workers from the man lift to the aerial platform.

Using the aerial ladder, workers were safely returned to the ground and assessed for injuries within about 15 minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702945936553.jpeg" alt="Photos Hutchinson Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photos Hutchinson Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded Monday afternoon to Cargill Salt for a report of two workers stuck on a hydraulic man lift, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702945783935.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters found the lift about 70 feet above ground. It was having mechanical problems and could not lower the men to the ground. Hutch Fire used a 100-foot aerial ladder to maneuver into position and transfer the workers from the man lift to the aerial platform.Using the aerial ladder, workers were safely returned to the ground and assessed for injuries within about 15 minutes.

Fire Department rescues two Cargill workers from 70 feet in the air

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/Legal%20experts%20have%20called%20the%20measure%20a%20flagrant%20violation%20of%20the%20U.S.%20government's%20purview%20over%20immigration%20enforcement.">Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;on Monday approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-migrants-arrest-explainer-306f644e8bb95333b078ed3923adacf0">sweeping new powers</a>&nbsp;that allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross the U.S. border and give local judges authority to order them to leave the country, testing the limits of how far a state can go to enforce immigration laws.

Opponents have called the measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law — denounced by critics as the “Show Me Your Papers” bill — that was largely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/57fd255191214d54b420a39a96b82451">struck down</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Supreme Court. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and Texas’ law is also likely to face swift legal challenges.

The law, which takes effect in March, allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, they could either agree to a Texas judge’s order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who don’t leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges.

Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by “well over 50%, maybe 75%." He did not offer evidence for that estimate.

“The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas," he said.

The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-security-ukraine-congress-senate-biden-cb8d4e3ad8271323cfd9294b527d6615">to reach a deal on border security</a>. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs.

Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. government’s authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isn’t doing enough to control the 1,950-mile (3,149-kilometer) southern border. Texas has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrants-los-angeles-california-texas-immigration-abbott-3fdb47985b34cd8301b61251b590778c">bused more than 65,000 migrants</a>&nbsp;to cities across America since August 2022 and recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-border-wire-522e993680a4d729e538a53a788ec185">installed razor wire</a>&nbsp;along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers.

The U.S. government on Monday temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week.

Miller said authorities are seeing “unprecedented” arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month.

Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4.

“SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal government’s exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs," the letter read.

Mexico’s government also has rebuked the measure. Under bilateral and international agreements, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens, but not those of other countries. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. In September and October,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-arrests-venezuela-mexico-a89f66759ac97c7ec62e4559af4e48a3">Venezuelans were the largest nationality</a>&nbsp;arrested for illegally crossing the U.S. border.

During debate in the Texas House in November, GOP state Rep. David Spiller pushed back against concerns that the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants statewide. He said enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. But he also rebuffed several efforts by Democrats to narrow the law, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses.

Because the illegal entry charge is a misdemeanor, which has a statue of limitation of two years, Spiller has said the law will not be used to target immigrants who have long been settled in the U.S.

“This is not, ‘Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico,’” he said during debate over the bill.

Opponents have accused Texas Republicans of using the law as a vehicle to force the Supreme Court’s new conservative majority to revisit its landmark 2012 Arizona decision. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have “understandable frustrations” with immigrants who are in the country illegally but that it can’t pursue policies that “undermine federal law.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702952665492.png" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills into law at a border wall construction site in Brownsville, Texas on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, that will broaden his border security plans and add funding for more infrastructure to deter illegal immigration. (AP Photo/Valerie Gonzalez)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Greg Abbott signed three bills into law at a border wall construction site in Brownsville, Texas on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, that will broaden his border security plans and add funding for more infrastructure to deter illegal immigration. (AP Photo/Valerie Gonzalez)</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/Legal%20experts%20have%20called%20the%20measure%20a%20flagrant%20violation%20of%20the%20U.S.%20government's%20purview%20over%20immigration%20enforcement.">Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;on Monday approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-migrants-arrest-explainer-306f644e8bb95333b078ed3923adacf0">sweeping new powers</a>&nbsp;that allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross the U.S. border and give local judges authority to order them to leave the country, testing the limits of how far a state can go to enforce immigration laws.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTexasGovernor%2Fvideos%2F1979749065731909%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=40" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Opponents have called the measure the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law — denounced by critics as the “Show Me Your Papers” bill — that was largely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/57fd255191214d54b420a39a96b82451">struck down</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Supreme Court. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and Texas’ law is also likely to face swift legal challenges.The law, which takes effect in March, allows any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally. Once in custody, they could either agree to a Texas judge’s order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who don’t leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges.Abbott, who signed the law in front of a section of border fence in Brownsville, predicted the number of people crossing illegally into Texas would drop by “well over 50%, maybe 75%." He did not offer evidence for that estimate.“The consequences of it are so extreme that the people being smuggled by the cartels, they will not want to be coming into the state of Texas," he said.The law adds another tension point over immigration amid a struggle between the White House and Senate negotiators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-security-ukraine-congress-senate-biden-cb8d4e3ad8271323cfd9294b527d6615">to reach a deal on border security</a>. Republicans in Congress are demanding changes to the immigration system in exchange for any help for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs.Texas Republicans have increasingly challenged the U.S. government’s authority over immigration, saying President Joe Biden's administration isn’t doing enough to control the 1,950-mile (3,149-kilometer) southern border. Texas has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/migrants-los-angeles-california-texas-immigration-abbott-3fdb47985b34cd8301b61251b590778c">bused more than 65,000 migrants</a>&nbsp;to cities across America since August 2022 and recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-immigration-border-wire-522e993680a4d729e538a53a788ec185">installed razor wire</a>&nbsp;along the banks of the Rio Grande, which has snagged and injured some asylum-seekers.The U.S. government on Monday temporarily shut down two railroad border crossings in Texas, a move that rail operators said would hamper trade ahead of Christmas. Troy Miller, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s acting commissioner, said the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso were a response to more migrants traveling on freight trains, particularly over the last week.Miller said authorities are seeing “unprecedented” arrivals at the border, topping 10,000 crossings on some days this month.Shortly after Abbott signed the new law, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said it would challenge the measure in court. More than 20 congressional Democrats also signed a letter urging the U.S. Justice Department to sue to stop the law, known as Senate Bill 4.“SB 4 is dangerous for the people of Texas and interferes with the federal government’s exclusive authority over immigration and foreign affairs," the letter read.Mexico’s government also has rebuked the measure. Under bilateral and international agreements, Mexico is required to accept deportations of its own citizens, but not those of other countries. Under the Texas law, migrants ordered to leave would be sent to ports of entry along the border with Mexico, even if they are not Mexican citizens. In September and October,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-arrests-venezuela-mexico-a89f66759ac97c7ec62e4559af4e48a3">Venezuelans were the largest nationality</a>&nbsp;arrested for illegally crossing the U.S. border.During debate in the Texas House in November, GOP state Rep. David Spiller pushed back against concerns that the law would be used as a dragnet to arrest immigrants statewide. He said enforcement would mostly take place in border counties. But he also rebuffed several efforts by Democrats to narrow the law, including a proposed carve-out for police on college campuses.Because the illegal entry charge is a misdemeanor, which has a statue of limitation of two years, Spiller has said the law will not be used to target immigrants who have long been settled in the U.S.“This is not, ‘Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico,’” he said during debate over the bill.Opponents have accused Texas Republicans of using the law as a vehicle to force the Supreme Court’s new conservative majority to revisit its landmark 2012 Arizona decision. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have “understandable frustrations” with immigrants who are in the country illegally but that it can’t pursue policies that “undermine federal law.”___

Immigration showdown: New Texas law lets police arrest illegals

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — The U.S. and a host of other nations are creating a new force to protect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-ship-attacks-bp-yemen-houthis-dcece18717aa59648ff9a6b04fbc798c">ships transiting the Red Sea</a>&nbsp;that have come under attack by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-ship-attack-israel-hamas-69289146266b9042b5896aa4679605ef">drones and ballistic missiles</a>&nbsp;fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Tuesday in Bahrain.

The seriousness of the attacks, several of which have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attacks-us-navy-1727df3d95e548c6e4d20b51f096268f">damaged vessels,</a>&nbsp;has led multiple shipping companies to order their ships to hold in place and not enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the security situation can be addressed.

The U.S. military's Central Command reported two more of the attacks on commercial vessels Monday. A strike by an attack drone and a ballistic missile hit a tanker off Yemen, at roughly the same time a cargo ship reported an explosive detonating in the water near them, the military said.

“This is an international challenge that demands collective action,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement released just after midnight in Bahrain. “Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative.”

There are about 400 commercial vessels transiting the southern Red Sea, an area roughly the size of Washington D.C. to Boston, at any given time, a senior military official told reporters who are traveling with Austin in the region.

Under the new mission, the military ships will not necessarily escort a specific vessel, but will be positioned to provide umbrella protection to as many as possible at a given time, the official said on the condition of anonymity to provide additional details not made public on how the new operation will work.

Mohammed Abdel-Salam, the Houthis’ chief negotiator and spokesman, on Tuesday, challenged the U.S.-created coalition, saying the Iranian-backed rebels would continue targeting Israel-linked vessels off Yemen.

“The American-formed coalition is to protect Israel and militarize the sea without any justification, and will not stop Yemen from continuing its legitimate operations in support of Gaza,” he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

He said the Houthis’ attacks “are not a show of force nor a challenge to anyone,” adding, “Whoever seeks to expand the conflict must bear the consequences of his actions.”

On Tuesday the shipping company Maersk announced that for now, it had decided to re-route its ships that have been paused for days outside the strait and Red Sea, and send them around Africa through the Cape of Good Hope instead — a much longer and less efficient passage. Maersk said it welcomed the international security effort, but at the present time, the much longer route would provide "more predictable outcomes” for its customers.

In the last four weeks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-15d10ed74c7f3cc7fd36fa0f77f73e54">Houthi militants</a>&nbsp;have attacked or seized commercial ships 12 times and still hold 25 members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-houthi-rebels-hijacked-ship-red-sea-dc9b6448690bcf5c70a0baf7c7c34b09">MV Galaxy Leader hostage in Yemen,</a>&nbsp;Austin said in remarks Tuesday in a ministerial meeting on the new maritime mission. The U.S. is still actively seeking member countries to join the mission, and increase the number of navies present and participating.

The United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain have joined the new maritime security mission, Austin said. Some of those countries will conduct joint patrols while others provide intelligence support in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

One notably absent participant is China, which has warships in the region, but those ships have not responded to previous calls for assistance by commercial vessels, even though some of the ships attacked have had ties to Hong Kong, the military official said.

Several other countries have also agreed to be involved in the operation but prefer not to be publicly named, a defense official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss additional details of the new mission that have not been publicly announced.

The new maritime security mission will be coordinated by the already existing Combined Task Force 153, which was set up in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden. While the task force has primarily provided a headquarters structure to date, the goal of the new mission is to provide ships and other assets to carry out the protection. There have been 39 member nations in CTF 153, but officials were working to determine which of them would participate in this latest effort.

Separately, the United States has also called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the attacks.

In a letter to council members obtained Monday by The Associated Press, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Houthi attacks targeting commercial vessels legally transiting the international waterways continue to threaten “navigational rights and freedoms, international maritime security, and international commerce.”

The 15 council members discussed the Houthi threat behind closed doors Monday but took no immediate action.

Two U.S. warships — the USS Carney and the USS Mason, Navy destroyers — are currently moving through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to help deter and respond to attacks from the Houthis.

The move to set up the expanded operation came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde">three commercial vessels were struck by missiles</a>&nbsp;fired by Iranian-back Houthis in Yemen on Dec. 3. Those attacks were part of an escalating campaign of violence that also included armed and other drones launched in the direction of U.S. warships.

To date, the U.S. has not struck back at the Iranian-back Houthis operating in Yemen or targeted any of the militants’ weapons or other sites. On Monday Austin did not answer a question as to why the Pentagon had not conducted a counterstrike.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702947351254.png" alt="Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III greets Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dec. 18, 2023. Austin traveled to Israel to meet with counterparts and underscore unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international humanitarian law.&nbsp;Photo By:Chad McNeeley, DOD" />
 <figcaption>Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III greets Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dec. 18, 2023. Austin traveled to Israel to meet with counterparts and underscore unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international humanitarian law.&nbsp;Photo By:Chad McNeeley, DOD</figcaption>
 </figure>MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — The U.S. and a host of other nations are creating a new force to protect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-ship-attacks-bp-yemen-houthis-dcece18717aa59648ff9a6b04fbc798c">ships transiting the Red Sea</a>&nbsp;that have come under attack by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-ship-attack-israel-hamas-69289146266b9042b5896aa4679605ef">drones and ballistic missiles</a>&nbsp;fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Tuesday in Bahrain.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696803172229.png" alt="The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in mid October-photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in mid October-photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>The seriousness of the attacks, several of which have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attacks-us-navy-1727df3d95e548c6e4d20b51f096268f">damaged vessels,</a>&nbsp;has led multiple shipping companies to order their ships to hold in place and not enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the security situation can be addressed.The U.S. military's Central Command reported two more of the attacks on commercial vessels Monday. A strike by an attack drone and a ballistic missile hit a tanker off Yemen, at roughly the same time a cargo ship reported an explosive detonating in the water near them, the military said.“This is an international challenge that demands collective action,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement released just after midnight in Bahrain. “Therefore today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative.”There are about 400 commercial vessels transiting the southern Red Sea, an area roughly the size of Washington D.C. to Boston, at any given time, a senior military official told reporters who are traveling with Austin in the region.Under the new mission, the military ships will not necessarily escort a specific vessel, but will be positioned to provide umbrella protection to as many as possible at a given time, the official said on the condition of anonymity to provide additional details not made public on how the new operation will work.Mohammed Abdel-Salam, the Houthis’ chief negotiator and spokesman, on Tuesday, challenged the U.S.-created coalition, saying the Iranian-backed rebels would continue targeting Israel-linked vessels off Yemen.“The American-formed coalition is to protect Israel and militarize the sea without any justification, and will not stop Yemen from continuing its legitimate operations in support of Gaza,” he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.He said the Houthis’ attacks “are not a show of force nor a challenge to anyone,” adding, “Whoever seeks to expand the conflict must bear the consequences of his actions.”On Tuesday the shipping company Maersk announced that for now, it had decided to re-route its ships that have been paused for days outside the strait and Red Sea, and send them around Africa through the Cape of Good Hope instead — a much longer and less efficient passage. Maersk said it welcomed the international security effort, but at the present time, the much longer route would provide "more predictable outcomes” for its customers.In the last four weeks,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-15d10ed74c7f3cc7fd36fa0f77f73e54">Houthi militants</a>&nbsp;have attacked or seized commercial ships 12 times and still hold 25 members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-houthi-rebels-hijacked-ship-red-sea-dc9b6448690bcf5c70a0baf7c7c34b09">MV Galaxy Leader hostage in Yemen,</a>&nbsp;Austin said in remarks Tuesday in a ministerial meeting on the new maritime mission. The U.S. is still actively seeking member countries to join the mission, and increase the number of navies present and participating.The United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain have joined the new maritime security mission, Austin said. Some of those countries will conduct joint patrols while others provide intelligence support in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.One notably absent participant is China, which has warships in the region, but those ships have not responded to previous calls for assistance by commercial vessels, even though some of the ships attacked have had ties to Hong Kong, the military official said.Several other countries have also agreed to be involved in the operation but prefer not to be publicly named, a defense official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss additional details of the new mission that have not been publicly announced.The new maritime security mission will be coordinated by the already existing Combined Task Force 153, which was set up in April 2022 to improve maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden. While the task force has primarily provided a headquarters structure to date, the goal of the new mission is to provide ships and other assets to carry out the protection. There have been 39 member nations in CTF 153, but officials were working to determine which of them would participate in this latest effort.Separately, the United States has also called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the attacks.In a letter to council members obtained Monday by The Associated Press, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Houthi attacks targeting commercial vessels legally transiting the international waterways continue to threaten “navigational rights and freedoms, international maritime security, and international commerce.”The 15 council members discussed the Houthi threat behind closed doors Monday but took no immediate action.Two U.S. warships — the USS Carney and the USS Mason, Navy destroyers — are currently moving through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to help deter and respond to attacks from the Houthis.The move to set up the expanded operation came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde">three commercial vessels were struck by missiles</a>&nbsp;fired by Iranian-back Houthis in Yemen on Dec. 3. Those attacks were part of an escalating campaign of violence that also included armed and other drones launched in the direction of U.S. warships.To date, the U.S. has not struck back at the Iranian-back Houthis operating in Yemen or targeted any of the militants’ weapons or other sites. On Monday Austin did not answer a question as to why the Pentagon had not conducted a counterstrike.___

Operation Prosperity Guardian: US will focus on attacks in the Red Sea

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Monday in Kansas City.

&nbsp;A KIA Rondo was southbound on Cleaver II&nbsp; at a very high rate of speed. Just before Elmwood, the KIA traveled off the road to the left through the grassy median and struck a large tree, according to KCPD Captain Corey Carlisle.

The driver and sole occupant of the KIA was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to Carlisle.

This is fatality #100 compared to #84 at this time last year.&nbsp; Police no release the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Monday in Kansas City.&nbsp;A KIA Rondo was southbound on Cleaver II&nbsp; at a very high rate of speed. Just before Elmwood, the KIA traveled off the road to the left through the grassy median and struck a large tree, according to KCPD Captain Corey Carlisle.The driver and sole occupant of the KIA was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to Carlisle.This is fatality #100 compared to #84 at this time last year.&nbsp; Police no release the name of the victim.

One dead after car strikes a tree along KC-area street

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged mail theft.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15,&nbsp; the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a report of mail theft in the 10,000 Block of SW 53rd Street, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker. The reporting party advised that a gold Ford Ranger truck was involved in the theft and was last seen traveling eastbound on SW 53rd Street.

Approximately 30 minutes later, a deputy spotted the Ford Ranger traveling southbound on southwest Auburn Rd. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the Ford Ranger failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the Ford Ranger was involved in a single vehicle accident in the 6900 block SW Morrill Rd., where both the driver and passenger fled on foot. A 25-year-old female suspect was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and a second male subject was able to avoid apprehension. Upon further investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics and stolen mail inside the Ford Ranger.

The driver, Emily Kratochvil, 25, of Topeka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on two warrants through the City of Topeka and requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of a prescription only drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, possession of stolen property, attempted identify theft, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, driving while revoked, tag not assigned, speeding and two charges of failing to stop at a stop sign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702744572865.png" alt="Kratochvil-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kratochvil-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged mail theft.Just after 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15,&nbsp; the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a report of mail theft in the 10,000 Block of SW 53rd Street, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker. The reporting party advised that a gold Ford Ranger truck was involved in the theft and was last seen traveling eastbound on SW 53rd Street.Approximately 30 minutes later, a deputy spotted the Ford Ranger traveling southbound on southwest Auburn Rd. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the Ford Ranger failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the Ford Ranger was involved in a single vehicle accident in the 6900 block SW Morrill Rd., where both the driver and passenger fled on foot. A 25-year-old female suspect was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and a second male subject was able to avoid apprehension. Upon further investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics and stolen mail inside the Ford Ranger.The driver, Emily Kratochvil, 25, of Topeka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on two warrants through the City of Topeka and requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of a prescription only drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, possession of stolen property, attempted identify theft, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, driving while revoked, tag not assigned, speeding and two charges of failing to stop at a stop sign.

Rural family reported woman in gold pickup was stealing mail

SALINE COUNTY —A bullet shot through one victim and struck another early Sunday morning during a domestic disturbance in Salina.

Salina Police Department officers reported at 2:26 a.m. to the 500 block of Moon Drive for a dispute between 30-year-old Salina resident Victor Phanthakeo and one of his family members.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, while Phanthakeo and one of the victims argued, which escalated, causing a second victim to step in to try and calm the situation.

Phanthakeo allegedly shot a 40-caliber handgun, which struck the first 26-year-old victim in the lower abdomen, traveled through, and hit the second 25-year-old victim in the arm.

"The victim who got shot in the abdomen took off running," Feldman said. "He was later taken by a family member to the hospital."

Feldman said when officers arrived at the residence, they found and arrested Phanthakeo on requested charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

Both victims sought treatment at Salina Regional Health Center later that day. According to Feldman, the victim with the abdomen wound will quickly recover from the gunshot.

No life-threatening injuries," Feldman said. "He got very lucky — they were kind of minor injuries for a gunshot wound."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906852565.png" alt="Phanthakeo-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Phanthakeo-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A bullet shot through one victim and struck another early Sunday morning during a domestic disturbance in Salina.Salina Police Department officers reported at 2:26 a.m. to the 500 block of Moon Drive for a dispute between 30-year-old Salina resident Victor Phanthakeo and one of his family members.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, while Phanthakeo and one of the victims argued, which escalated, causing a second victim to step in to try and calm the situation.Phanthakeo allegedly shot a 40-caliber handgun, which struck the first 26-year-old victim in the lower abdomen, traveled through, and hit the second 25-year-old victim in the arm."The victim who got shot in the abdomen took off running," Feldman said. "He was later taken by a family member to the hospital."Feldman said when officers arrived at the residence, they found and arrested Phanthakeo on requested charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery.Both victims sought treatment at Salina Regional Health Center later that day. According to Feldman, the victim with the abdomen wound will quickly recover from the gunshot.No life-threatening injuries," Feldman said. "He got very lucky — they were kind of minor injuries for a gunshot wound."

Two Kan. victims from single gunshot during domestic disturbance

ROME (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it.

The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office, released Monday, elaborates on a letter Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-conservatives-synod-lgbtq-5c6e33d4d45aea1b0b5553d3acc799e1">sent to two conservative cardinals</a>&nbsp;that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if they didn’t confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.

The new document repeats that condition and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman. And it stresses that blessings in question must be non-liturgical in nature and should not be conferred at the same time as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-endorse-same-sex-civil-unions-eb3509b30ebac35e91aa7cbda2013de2">a civil union</a>, using set rituals or even with the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding.

But it says requests for such blessings for same-sex couples should not be denied full stop. It offers an extensive and broad definition of the term “blessing” in Scripture to insist that people seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for his love and mercy should not be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” as a precondition for receiving it.

“Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God,” the document said. “The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live.”

He added: "It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered.”

The document marks the latest gesture of outreach from a pope who has made welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy. From his 2013 quip, “Who am I to judge?” about a purportedly gay priest, to his 2023 comment to The Associated Press that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">“Being homosexual is not a crime,”</a>&nbsp;Francis has distinguished himself from all his predecessors with his message of welcome.

“The significance of this news cannot be overstated,” said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which supports LGBTQ+ Catholics. “It is one thing to formally approve same-gender blessings, which he had already pastorally permitted, but to say that people should not be subjected to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive God’s love and mercy is an even more significant step.”

The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman. As a result, it has long opposed same-sex marriage.

And in 2021, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said flat-out that the church couldn’t bless the unions of two men or two women because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-decree-same-sex-unions-cannot-bless-sin-077944750c975313ad253328e4cf7443">“God cannot bless sin.”</a>

That document created an outcry, one it appeared even Francis was blindsided by even though he had technically approved its publication. Soon after it was published, he removed the official responsible for it and set about laying the groundwork for a reversal.

In the new document, the Vatican said the church must shy away from “doctrinal or disciplinary schemes, especially when they lead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others, and instead of opening the door to grace, one exhausts his or her energies in inspecting and verifying."

It stressed that people in “irregular” unions of extramarital sex — gay or straight — are in a state of sin. But it said that shouldn’t deprive them of God’s love or mercy. “Even when a person’s relationship with God is clouded by sin, he can always ask for a blessing, stretching out his hand to God,” the document said.

Offering such a blessing isn't legitimizing anything. But at the same time, the church shouldn't judge, he said.

“Thus, when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it,” the document said.

The Rev. James Martin, who advocates for a greater welcome for LGBTQ+ Catholics, praised the new document as a “huge step forward” and a “dramatic shift” from the Vatican's 2021 policy.

The new document “recognizes the deep desire in many Catholic same-sex couples for God’s presence and help in their committed relationships,” he said in an email. "Along with many Catholic priests, I will now be delighted to bless my friends in same-sex marriages.”

Traditionalists, however, were outraged. The traditionalist blogger Luigi Casalini of Messa in Latino (Latin Mass) blog wrote that the document appeared to be a form of heresy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="File photo Pope Francis photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Pope Francis photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/pope-francis">Pope Francis</a>&nbsp;has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, with a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it.The document from the Vatican’s doctrine office, released Monday, elaborates on a letter Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-conservatives-synod-lgbtq-5c6e33d4d45aea1b0b5553d3acc799e1">sent to two conservative cardinals</a>&nbsp;that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if they didn’t confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.The new document repeats that condition and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman. And it stresses that blessings in question must be non-liturgical in nature and should not be conferred at the same time as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-endorse-same-sex-civil-unions-eb3509b30ebac35e91aa7cbda2013de2">a civil union</a>, using set rituals or even with the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding.But it says requests for such blessings for same-sex couples should not be denied full stop. It offers an extensive and broad definition of the term “blessing” in Scripture to insist that people seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for his love and mercy should not be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” as a precondition for receiving it.“Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God,” the document said. “The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live.”He added: "It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered.”The document marks the latest gesture of outreach from a pope who has made welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy. From his 2013 quip, “Who am I to judge?” about a purportedly gay priest, to his 2023 comment to The Associated Press that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212">“Being homosexual is not a crime,”</a>&nbsp;Francis has distinguished himself from all his predecessors with his message of welcome.“The significance of this news cannot be overstated,” said Francis DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, which supports LGBTQ+ Catholics. “It is one thing to formally approve same-gender blessings, which he had already pastorally permitted, but to say that people should not be subjected to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive God’s love and mercy is an even more significant step.”The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman. As a result, it has long opposed same-sex marriage.And in 2021, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said flat-out that the church couldn’t bless the unions of two men or two women because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-decree-same-sex-unions-cannot-bless-sin-077944750c975313ad253328e4cf7443">“God cannot bless sin.”</a>That document created an outcry, one it appeared even Francis was blindsided by even though he had technically approved its publication. Soon after it was published, he removed the official responsible for it and set about laying the groundwork for a reversal.In the new document, the Vatican said the church must shy away from “doctrinal or disciplinary schemes, especially when they lead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others, and instead of opening the door to grace, one exhausts his or her energies in inspecting and verifying."It stressed that people in “irregular” unions of extramarital sex — gay or straight — are in a state of sin. But it said that shouldn’t deprive them of God’s love or mercy. “Even when a person’s relationship with God is clouded by sin, he can always ask for a blessing, stretching out his hand to God,” the document said.Offering such a blessing isn't legitimizing anything. But at the same time, the church shouldn't judge, he said.“Thus, when people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it,” the document said.The Rev. James Martin, who advocates for a greater welcome for LGBTQ+ Catholics, praised the new document as a “huge step forward” and a “dramatic shift” from the Vatican's 2021 policy.The new document “recognizes the deep desire in many Catholic same-sex couples for God’s presence and help in their committed relationships,” he said in an email. "Along with many Catholic priests, I will now be delighted to bless my friends in same-sex marriages.”Traditionalists, however, were outraged. The traditionalist blogger Luigi Casalini of Messa in Latino (Latin Mass) blog wrote that the document appeared to be a form of heresy.

Pope issues controversial new document on same-sex unions

GARDNER, Kansas. –Kansas Department of Corrections inmate 52-year-old Clifford Leon Evans has been placed on escape status after it was reported at 2:45pm that he did not return to the facility while serving his sentence at the Johnson County Work Release center on Monday, according to a statement from the KDOC.

Evans is described as a white male, has brown hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 131 pounds.

He currently serving a sentence for violating his parole. Evans was convicted in Johnson County for possession of opiates. He is serving that sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) from which he walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration back into the community.

Anyone with information on Evans can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov">KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702994862044.png" alt="Evans photo" />
 <figcaption>Evans photo</figcaption>
 </figure>GARDNER, Kansas. –Kansas Department of Corrections inmate 52-year-old Clifford Leon Evans has been placed on escape status after it was reported at 2:45pm that he did not return to the facility while serving his sentence at the Johnson County Work Release center on Monday, according to a statement from the KDOC.Evans is described as a white male, has brown hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 131 pounds.He currently serving a sentence for violating his parole. Evans was convicted in Johnson County for possession of opiates. He is serving that sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) from which he walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration back into the community.Anyone with information on Evans can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov">KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov</a>

Kan. inmate in prison for parole violation walks away from work release

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Monday afternoon announced the new Kansas standard-issue license plate design, which was chosen by a majority of the public after a week-long voting process that elicited nearly 270,000 votes from Kansans in all 105 counties, according to a media release from her office.

Kansans chose the design featuring the Kansas Statehouse dome within a cutout of the state and a yellow, white, and blue gradient background. It received over 140,000, or 53%, of the total votes.

“It’s great to see Kansans’ passion for representing our great state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, we can move forward on a design that received majority support and get clearer, safer license plates on the streets as soon as possible.”

The results for the runners-up were:&nbsp;

This is the first time the state has allowed public input on the standard tag. Governor Kelly has asked the Kansas Department of Revenue to review their process for selecting license plate designs moving forward.

“The Department of Revenue is pleased to have a design selected so it can promptly get to work issuing the updated plates,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;David Harper, Director of the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles.

Votes cast with non-Kansas zip codes were removed from the vote totals.&nbsp;

The State of Kansas incurred no additional costs for designing the new license plate options or the voting website; existing contracts with Kansas-based firms covered both.

Governor Kelly also addressed the license plate designs that were not part of the voting process but have circulated widely on social media.

“So many of the designs circulated on social media and sent to my office are beautiful works of art but, unfortunately cannot be used given the strict public safety, printing, and branding guidelines the new license plate has to meet,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Kansans will notice that license plates across the country are moving to simpler designs – that’s because of law enforcement and license plate reader requirements. Our number one priority with these license plates is safety.”

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Monday afternoon announced the new Kansas standard-issue license plate design, which was chosen by a majority of the public after a week-long voting process that elicited nearly 270,000 votes from Kansans in all 105 counties, according to a media release from her office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702308987773.png" alt="The winning design" />
 <figcaption>The winning design</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansans chose the design featuring the Kansas Statehouse dome within a cutout of the state and a yellow, white, and blue gradient background. It received over 140,000, or 53%, of the total votes.“It’s great to see Kansans’ passion for representing our great state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, we can move forward on a design that received majority support and get clearer, safer license plates on the streets as soon as possible.”The results for the runners-up were:&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702308965517.png" alt="Received 19 % of the vote" />
 <figcaption>Received 19 % of the vote</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702308955637.png" alt="Received 13% of the vote" />
 <figcaption>Received 13% of the vote</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702308943999.png" alt="Received 10% of the vote" />
 <figcaption>Received 10% of the vote</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702308978061.png" alt="Received 5% of the vote" />
 <figcaption>Received 5% of the vote</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the first time the state has allowed public input on the standard tag. Governor Kelly has asked the Kansas Department of Revenue to review their process for selecting license plate designs moving forward.“The Department of Revenue is pleased to have a design selected so it can promptly get to work issuing the updated plates,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;David Harper, Director of the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles.Votes cast with non-Kansas zip codes were removed from the vote totals.&nbsp;The State of Kansas incurred no additional costs for designing the new license plate options or the voting website; existing contracts with Kansas-based firms covered both.Governor Kelly also addressed the license plate designs that were not part of the voting process but have circulated widely on social media.“So many of the designs circulated on social media and sent to my office are beautiful works of art but, unfortunately cannot be used given the strict public safety, printing, and branding guidelines the new license plate has to meet,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Kansans will notice that license plates across the country are moving to simpler designs – that’s because of law enforcement and license plate reader requirements. Our number one priority with these license plates is safety.”

Kan. governor reveals your choice for new license plate design

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The largest skilled nursing facility in St. Louis has closed suddenly, forcing about 170 residents to be bused to other care centers. Many left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.

The abrupt shutdown of Northview Village Nursing Home on Friday came after workers learned they might not be paid and walked out, confusing residents and their relatives. Many family members gathered through the day Saturday outside the facility on the city's north side. Some didn't immediately know where their loved ones were taken.

Alvin Cooper of East St. Louis, Illinois, was preparing Monday to fill out a missing person’s report on his 35-year-old son. Alvin Cooper Jr. has lived at Northview Village for several months while recovering from a gunshot wound to the head and a drug addiction.

“They don’t know where he is,” Alvin Cooper said. “I’ve burnt two tanks of gas going back and forth to that nursing home trying to find out what’s going on. I don’t know if he’s somewhere safe or what’s going to happen to him.”

The difficulties started Friday when, according to the union representing workers, more than 130 people went unpaid, and it became unclear if their checks would be forthcoming.

Marvetta Harrison, 59, a certified medical technician, said workers received emails from the company this weekend promising they’ll be paid, but it was unclear when.

“This is real wrong,” Harrison said. “I have worked in that building for 37 years. Not only did they mistreat us, they mistreated the residents we take care of.”

Northview Village has been fined 12 times for federal violations since March 2021, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Fines totaled over $140,000 and ranged from $2,200 to more than $45,000. The federal agency gives Northview a one-star rating out of a possible five, but doesn’t spell out reasons for the fines.

In addition, the state health department website lists nearly two dozen Northview investigations since 2016. The most recent complaint, from February, said a resident was able to get out of the building through an unsecured door. A 2021 complaint alleged the facility failed to investigate allegations that residents left the nursing home and brought drugs into it.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Lisa Cox said the agency was notified around 4:15 p.m. Friday that the nursing home was closing. The operator implemented an evacuation plan and emergency medical service workers helped relocate residents to other nursing homes, Cox said in a statement Monday.

“The final resident left the facility before 6 a.m. Saturday," Cox said. "Our team continued working through the weekend following up with the receiving facilities to check in on the residents who had been transferred.”

Shamell King, an assistant manager at another St. Louis-area nursing home, Superior Manor, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/st-louis-nursing-home-abruptly-closes-leaving-workers-unpaid-residents-relocated/article_e84d2206-9c29-11ee-8602-277ddfbfbd7b.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;that some Northview Village residents arrived without paperwork documenting their medical histories or medication needs.

Phone calls to Northview Village went unanswered Monday. Calls also were unanswered at suburban St. Louis-based Healthcare Accounting Services, the company that owns the nursing home and five others.

On Friday, employees began to question why their bi-weekly paychecks were late. They found out the payments weren't coming at all, said Marjorie Moore, executive director of VOYCE, a St. Louis agency that serves as an ombudsman for long-term care residents and their families.

The shutdown began as employees voiced their concerns, said Lenny Jones, state director for the Service Employees International Union Healthcare union, which represents about 100 of the roughly 130 displaced workers.

“They ran out of money to make payroll, caused this massive disruption, and just quickly moved forward with their goal, which was to shutter this facility,” Jones said. “You would have to have been planning to move 175 residents in the dead of night.”

Shuttle buses took residents to at least 15 different facilities across the St. Louis area, Moore said. Many patients departed with nothing but what they were wearing.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The largest skilled nursing facility in St. Louis has closed suddenly, forcing about 170 residents to be bused to other care centers. Many left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.The abrupt shutdown of Northview Village Nursing Home on Friday came after workers learned they might not be paid and walked out, confusing residents and their relatives. Many family members gathered through the day Saturday outside the facility on the city's north side. Some didn't immediately know where their loved ones were taken.Alvin Cooper of East St. Louis, Illinois, was preparing Monday to fill out a missing person’s report on his 35-year-old son. Alvin Cooper Jr. has lived at Northview Village for several months while recovering from a gunshot wound to the head and a drug addiction.“They don’t know where he is,” Alvin Cooper said. “I’ve burnt two tanks of gas going back and forth to that nursing home trying to find out what’s going on. I don’t know if he’s somewhere safe or what’s going to happen to him.”The difficulties started Friday when, according to the union representing workers, more than 130 people went unpaid, and it became unclear if their checks would be forthcoming.Marvetta Harrison, 59, a certified medical technician, said workers received emails from the company this weekend promising they’ll be paid, but it was unclear when.“This is real wrong,” Harrison said. “I have worked in that building for 37 years. Not only did they mistreat us, they mistreated the residents we take care of.”Northview Village has been fined 12 times for federal violations since March 2021, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Fines totaled over $140,000 and ranged from $2,200 to more than $45,000. The federal agency gives Northview a one-star rating out of a possible five, but doesn’t spell out reasons for the fines.In addition, the state health department website lists nearly two dozen Northview investigations since 2016. The most recent complaint, from February, said a resident was able to get out of the building through an unsecured door. A 2021 complaint alleged the facility failed to investigate allegations that residents left the nursing home and brought drugs into it.Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Lisa Cox said the agency was notified around 4:15 p.m. Friday that the nursing home was closing. The operator implemented an evacuation plan and emergency medical service workers helped relocate residents to other nursing homes, Cox said in a statement Monday.“The final resident left the facility before 6 a.m. Saturday," Cox said. "Our team continued working through the weekend following up with the receiving facilities to check in on the residents who had been transferred.”Shamell King, an assistant manager at another St. Louis-area nursing home, Superior Manor, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/st-louis-nursing-home-abruptly-closes-leaving-workers-unpaid-residents-relocated/article_e84d2206-9c29-11ee-8602-277ddfbfbd7b.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;that some Northview Village residents arrived without paperwork documenting their medical histories or medication needs.Phone calls to Northview Village went unanswered Monday. Calls also were unanswered at suburban St. Louis-based Healthcare Accounting Services, the company that owns the nursing home and five others.On Friday, employees began to question why their bi-weekly paychecks were late. They found out the payments weren't coming at all, said Marjorie Moore, executive director of VOYCE, a St. Louis agency that serves as an ombudsman for long-term care residents and their families.The shutdown began as employees voiced their concerns, said Lenny Jones, state director for the Service Employees International Union Healthcare union, which represents about 100 of the roughly 130 displaced workers.“They ran out of money to make payroll, caused this massive disruption, and just quickly moved forward with their goal, which was to shutter this facility,” Jones said. “You would have to have been planning to move 175 residents in the dead of night.”Shuttle buses took residents to at least 15 different facilities across the St. Louis area, Moore said. Many patients departed with nothing but what they were wearing.“Closing it down this way is the absolute worst-case scenario for a lot of us," Moore said. “It all happened so fast.”Northview Village was the largest skilled nursing facility in St. Louis, licensed for up to 320 beds. Many residents are on Medicaid and can't get into other long-term care facilities, Moore said. In addition to elderly people, the center houses many with behavioral problems, she said.“It’s a troubled facility, but it’s also been a safety net to keep people from falling through the cracks,” Moore said.Cherie Ford, a certified nursing assistant at Northview Village, said she figured something was wrong on Friday when her direct-deposit paycheck wasn't in her account. Still, she and her colleagues worked a full day.“We had no warning, the residents knew nothing either," she said in a Facebook Messenger interview.Around 3 p.m. Friday, the staff learned they wouldn't be paid at all, she said.