SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas felon is recovering from injuries after a crash during a&nbsp; police chase in Shawnee County.

Just after 9p.m. December 27, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a theft at a business in the 2600 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.&nbsp;

A deputy located the suspect's red Chevrolet Blazer northbound in the 4000 Block NW Rochester Road in Topeka.

The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near NW 46th Street and NW Topeka Boulevard, but the driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit. 

The driver, later identified as 52-year-old Clifford H. Swarthout, Jr.,&nbsp; continued southbound on NW Topeka Boulevard and then westbound on NW 39th Street. The driver failed to negotiate the T-intersection at NW Button Road and left the roadway. 

The vehicle came to rest in the trees on it’s side. Both occupants were extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital by American Medical Response (AMR) with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Topeka Police Department handled the female passenger in regards to the initial theft. The male driver, Clifford H. Swarthout Jr., 52, of Topeka, was taken into custody and once released from the hospital will be booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following requested charges&nbsp;Aggravated battery;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and&nbsp;Driving while license suspended.

Swarthout has numerous previous felony convictions that include forgery, theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735524980127.png" alt="Swarthout has numerous previous felony convictions that include forgery, theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-Photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Swarthout has numerous previous felony convictions that include forgery, theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-Photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas felon is recovering from injuries after a crash during a&nbsp; police chase in Shawnee County.Just after 9p.m. December 27, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a theft at a business in the 2600 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.&nbsp;A deputy located the suspect's red Chevrolet Blazer northbound in the 4000 Block NW Rochester Road in Topeka.The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near NW 46th Street and NW Topeka Boulevard, but the driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit. The driver, later identified as 52-year-old Clifford H. Swarthout, Jr.,&nbsp; continued southbound on NW Topeka Boulevard and then westbound on NW 39th Street. The driver failed to negotiate the T-intersection at NW Button Road and left the roadway. The vehicle came to rest in the trees on it’s side. Both occupants were extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital by American Medical Response (AMR) with non-life-threatening injuries.The Topeka Police Department handled the female passenger in regards to the initial theft. The male driver, Clifford H. Swarthout Jr., 52, of Topeka, was taken into custody and once released from the hospital will be booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following requested charges&nbsp;Aggravated battery;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and&nbsp;Driving while license suspended.Swarthout has numerous previous felony convictions that include forgery, theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon hospitalized after crash during police chase

Former President&nbsp;Jimmy Carter has died&nbsp;at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Kansas lawmakers made statement about the former President on social media.&nbsp; Early Monday, Missouri's U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt had not issued statements on Carter's death.

President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimmycartertribute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552458792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BL7wuK9%2BVXZ9gaA9dPs1umaY5zYLqBBGytTSjnf%2FE3M%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.jimmycartertribute.org</a>. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735528950240.png" alt="Jimmy Carter -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Jimmy Carter -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Former President&nbsp;Jimmy Carter has died&nbsp;at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.Kansas lawmakers made statement about the former President on social media.&nbsp; Early Monday, Missouri's U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt had not issued statements on Carter's death.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Jimmy Carter was a truly moral man. His innate humanity, his humility, his devotion to serving his community and his country, and his belief that the world could live in peace is the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. A corresponding order for flag honors is to come. <a href="https://t.co/2ROqmzBxqY">pic.twitter.com/2ROqmzBxqY</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1873525957140877691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Carter lived a life of service to his nation as a member of the U.S. Navy, the Governor of Georgia and the President of the United States. Today, we mourn the loss of a leader and champion of human rights. Robba and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to the…&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1873515797001458050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am saddened to hear the passing of President Jimmy Carter. His story is one of unwavering commitment to public service, extending long before and far beyond his time in the White House. His life was a devoted journey of protecting and serving our great nation, and giving back…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1873496280380448930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9.Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimmycartertribute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552458792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BL7wuK9%2BVXZ9gaA9dPs1umaY5zYLqBBGytTSjnf%2FE3M%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.jimmycartertribute.org</a>. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

Kan. lawmakers reflect on the life of former President Jimmy Carter

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas have identified the victim as 18-year-old&nbsp;Zamauria Jones, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 7600 block of Monroe Avenue on a reported sound of shots call for service. While officers were on the way to the call, they were flagged down by an individual who stated she was transporting a shooting victim, later identified as Jones, to the hospital and needed help.

Officers immediately removed Jones from the vehicle. She was unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. 

Medical aid was provided for Jones by officers on scene until emergency medical personnel responded. Jones was immediately transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Police have not reported information indicating what lead up to the shooting. Police are working to gather information on anyone who may be responsible for this incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735481260828.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas have identified the victim as 18-year-old&nbsp;Zamauria Jones, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 7600 block of Monroe Avenue on a reported sound of shots call for service. While officers were on the way to the call, they were flagged down by an individual who stated she was transporting a shooting victim, later identified as Jones, to the hospital and needed help.Officers immediately removed Jones from the vehicle. She was unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. Medical aid was provided for Jones by officers on scene until emergency medical personnel responded. Jones was immediately transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.Police have not reported information indicating what lead up to the shooting. Police are working to gather information on anyone who may be responsible for this incident.

Homicide: KCPD flagged down by driver taking woman to hospital

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just&nbsp; just after 2:30p.m. Sunday in Kansas&nbsp; City.

A Harley Davidson Tri Glide motorcycle was traveling eastbound and entered a private drive in the area of 500 block of NW Barry Road in Kansas City, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez

The motorcycle entered the driveway too quickly, at too sharp of a turn and overturned.&nbsp; The vehicle rolled on top of the operator causing critical injuries. EMS transported the motorcycle operator to a local hospital where hospital staff pronounced them deceased.

This is fatality #94 compared to #101 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just&nbsp; just after 2:30p.m. Sunday in Kansas&nbsp; City.A Harley Davidson Tri Glide motorcycle was traveling eastbound and entered a private drive in the area of 500 block of NW Barry Road in Kansas City, according to KCPD Officer Alayna GonzalezThe motorcycle entered the driveway too quickly, at too sharp of a turn and overturned.&nbsp; The vehicle rolled on top of the operator causing critical injuries. EMS transported the motorcycle operator to a local hospital where hospital staff pronounced them deceased.This is fatality #94 compared to #101 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; The name of the victim has not been released.

Motorcycle rolls on top of rider in fatal driveway accident

ATLANTA&nbsp; — Jimmy Carter, 39th&nbsp;president of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history, according to a statement from the Carter Center.

President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs.&nbsp;The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.&nbsp;The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending.&nbsp;The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region at&nbsp;

<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552440092%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=u%2Fooghv5DQB83sHXyE%2FmcCnAz1Gx3ADasqNA3FmcCzI%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil</a>.

The Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667594213472.png" alt="Jimmy Carter photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Jimmy Carter photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA&nbsp; — Jimmy Carter, 39th&nbsp;president of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history, according to a statement from the Carter Center.President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs.&nbsp;The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.&nbsp;The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending.&nbsp;The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552440092%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=u%2Fooghv5DQB83sHXyE%2FmcCnAz1Gx3ADasqNA3FmcCzI%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil</a>.Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimmycartertribute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552458792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BL7wuK9%2BVXZ9gaA9dPs1umaY5zYLqBBGytTSjnf%2FE3M%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.jimmycartertribute.org</a>. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.The Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US President, Dead at 100

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating several suspects on a variety of requested charges after a chase.

Just after 10 p.m. Dec. 24, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a purple Dodge Charger near SE 37th Street and South Kansas Avenue without any headlight, according Sheriff Brian Hill.

The driver refused to stop and continued driving to a residence in the 3800 block of SE Evans Drive where three passengers ran from the vehicle. The deputy quickly pursued them and took Gesus J. Handy, 19, into custody. Handy had a loaded and altered firearm in his possession

Handy was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of:Criminal carry of a weapon, interference with law enforcement. The driver faces multiple charges, according to Sheriff Hill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735224955282.png" alt="Handy photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Handy photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating several suspects on a variety of requested charges after a chase.Just after 10 p.m. Dec. 24, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a purple Dodge Charger near SE 37th Street and South Kansas Avenue without any headlight, according Sheriff Brian Hill.The driver refused to stop and continued driving to a residence in the 3800 block of SE Evans Drive where three passengers ran from the vehicle. The deputy quickly pursued them and took Gesus J. Handy, 19, into custody. Handy had a loaded and altered firearm in his possessionHandy was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of:Criminal carry of a weapon, interference with law enforcement. The driver faces multiple charges, according to Sheriff Hill.

Kansas man caught with loaded, altered firearm after police chase

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/milimansaray/">MILI MANSARAY</a>

You see someone in the midst of a mental breakdown, or high on drugs.

Call 911 and they may get arrested. Things could get worse from there. They might lose their job, their apartment. Rather than get the care that could pull them out of a crisis, they could land in custody and spiral into further trouble.

So a new program funded by the Kansas City Council offers another response: A call to an alternative number could hook the person up with a mental health clinician, a social worker or another professional to get them help.

Kansas City’s fledgling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/reach/-fbclid-IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3LKPMxboS98g8FHQ0w_czqosGCjEKldQjs7x7EyGtiBAHqbvbfDNs95W4_aem_VM8UjpzGYSQBjW2OxduI1g" target="_blank">Responding with Empathetic Alternatives and Community Health</a>, or REACH, program aims to cut crime and keep people committing nonviolent offenses out of jail.

The program launched in December and operates along the Prospect Avenue corridor from 27th Street to 45th Street. It offers a shortcut to help with homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse problems.

So instead of calling 911 and making it a police problem, residents can call 816-513-6010 or submit an inquiry at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:reach@kcmo.org">reach@kcmo.org</a>&nbsp;to put REACH on the case.

“People don’t have to find themselves … in the criminal legal system in order to get the care they need,” said Derek Buford, a leader with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.decarceratekc.org/" target="_blank">Decarcerate KC</a>, the organization behind the REACH campaign. &nbsp;“We cannot have the police be our care providers.”

How does the REACH non-emergency line work?

The Kansas City Council approved $1.2 million for the program, which sprang from a joint effort of the Kansas City Fire Department, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the Kansas City Police Department.

Representatives with the program said they are still establishing the hours of operation.

REACH was deployed along Prospect because of its&nbsp;<a href="https://kclinc.org/news/2024/9/4/committed-to-solutions-sunfresh-crisis-sparks-action-for-safety-prosperity-of-prospect-corridor" target="_blank">high poverty rates and lack of community resources</a>, factors that contribute to higher levels of crime. The Prospect Max bus between 27th and 45th streets will also be part of REACH’s coverage, meaning residents can call for assistance while using the bus in this area.

If it works, said 6th District Councilmember Johnathan Duncan, it will be expanded across the city.

The next expansion phase will be downtown, leaders with Decarcerate KC said.

Duncan said interest already exists to expand to the Hickman Mills and Ruskin neighborhoods.

Proponents say REACH will also ease the burden on police, 911 dispatchers and the courts.

“Keeping someone in the Jackson County jail costs around $2,000 per month per person,” Decarcerate KC leader Croatia Black said. “We are overfunding the police department and continuing to strengthen the system that we know isn’t working. This is giving a different option for how we deal with conflicts in our communities.”

Duncan said REACH is housed within the Kansas City Health Department and is in the process of hiring workers to answer calls and respond in person.

While REACH does not include police, he said&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/11/26/kansas-city-homeless-resources-for-crisis-how-to-help-a-homeless-person/" target="_blank">KCPD</a>&nbsp;has met with the REACH committee to ensure that officers in the field understand the program and can request help from it.

“An officer’s main objective is to enforce the law,” Duncan said. “The purpose around this is to ensure that we’re not responding to every problem with a hammer because not all problems are nails.”

The Kansas City Fire Department or paramedics may respond alongside REACH in cases involving medical issues.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/12/19/kc-non-emergency-reach-program-connects-residents-in-crisis-to-care/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735492290131.png" alt="Riders wait for the Prospect Max bus at the 31st Street stop in Kansas City, in the first corridor to be included in the REACH program (Mili Mansaray/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption>Riders wait for the Prospect Max bus at the 31st Street stop in Kansas City, in the first corridor to be included in the REACH program (Mili Mansaray/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/milimansaray/">MILI MANSARAY</a>You see someone in the midst of a mental breakdown, or high on drugs.Call 911 and they may get arrested. Things could get worse from there. They might lose their job, their apartment. Rather than get the care that could pull them out of a crisis, they could land in custody and spiral into further trouble.So a new program funded by the Kansas City Council offers another response: A call to an alternative number could hook the person up with a mental health clinician, a social worker or another professional to get them help.Kansas City’s fledgling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/reach/-fbclid-IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3LKPMxboS98g8FHQ0w_czqosGCjEKldQjs7x7EyGtiBAHqbvbfDNs95W4_aem_VM8UjpzGYSQBjW2OxduI1g" target="_blank">Responding with Empathetic Alternatives and Community Health</a>, or REACH, program aims to cut crime and keep people committing nonviolent offenses out of jail.The program launched in December and operates along the Prospect Avenue corridor from 27th Street to 45th Street. It offers a shortcut to help with homelessness, mental health issues and substance abuse problems.So instead of calling 911 and making it a police problem, residents can call 816-513-6010 or submit an inquiry at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:reach@kcmo.org">reach@kcmo.org</a>&nbsp;to put REACH on the case.“People don’t have to find themselves … in the criminal legal system in order to get the care they need,” said Derek Buford, a leader with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.decarceratekc.org/" target="_blank">Decarcerate KC</a>, the organization behind the REACH campaign. &nbsp;“We cannot have the police be our care providers.”<h2>How does the REACH non-emergency line work?</h2>The Kansas City Council approved $1.2 million for the program, which sprang from a joint effort of the Kansas City Fire Department, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the Kansas City Police Department.Representatives with the program said they are still establishing the hours of operation.REACH was deployed along Prospect because of its&nbsp;<a href="https://kclinc.org/news/2024/9/4/committed-to-solutions-sunfresh-crisis-sparks-action-for-safety-prosperity-of-prospect-corridor" target="_blank">high poverty rates and lack of community resources</a>, factors that contribute to higher levels of crime. The Prospect Max bus between 27th and 45th streets will also be part of REACH’s coverage, meaning residents can call for assistance while using the bus in this area.If it works, said 6th District Councilmember Johnathan Duncan, it will be expanded across the city.The next expansion phase will be downtown, leaders with Decarcerate KC said.Duncan said interest already exists to expand to the Hickman Mills and Ruskin neighborhoods.Proponents say REACH will also ease the burden on police, 911 dispatchers and the courts.“Keeping someone in the Jackson County jail costs around $2,000 per month per person,” Decarcerate KC leader Croatia Black said. “We are overfunding the police department and continuing to strengthen the system that we know isn’t working. This is giving a different option for how we deal with conflicts in our communities.”Duncan said REACH is housed within the Kansas City Health Department and is in the process of hiring workers to answer calls and respond in person.While REACH does not include police, he said&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/11/26/kansas-city-homeless-resources-for-crisis-how-to-help-a-homeless-person/" target="_blank">KCPD</a>&nbsp;has met with the REACH committee to ensure that officers in the field understand the program and can request help from it.“An officer’s main objective is to enforce the law,” Duncan said. “The purpose around this is to ensure that we’re not responding to every problem with a hammer because not all problems are nails.”The Kansas City Fire Department or paramedics may respond alongside REACH in cases involving medical issues.This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/12/19/kc-non-emergency-reach-program-connects-residents-in-crisis-to-care/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

New Kansas City program steers residents to mental health or drug care rather than custody

ANDERSON COUNTY —A fire on Thursday destroyed the Colony Community Church,&nbsp;322 S. Garfield Street in Colony , according to a social media report from Colony City Marshal.

 Pastor Alex asked "for prayers for the congregation of this vibrant church community. On Friday evening the church family held a vigil and prayer service in the Crest USD 479 parking lot just north of the site of the fire.

&nbsp;"The church building is gone but our church family and faith is not."

The cause of the fire has not been released. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735410031014.png" alt="Photo Colony Church" />
 <figcaption>Photo Colony Church</figcaption>
 </figure>ANDERSON COUNTY —A fire on Thursday destroyed the Colony Community Church,&nbsp;322 S. Garfield Street in Colony , according to a social media report from Colony City Marshal. Pastor Alex asked "for prayers for the congregation of this vibrant church community. On Friday evening the church family held a vigil and prayer service in the Crest USD 479 parking lot just north of the site of the fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735410052230.png" alt="Photo Colony City Marshal Angela Gardner" />
 <figcaption>Photo Colony City Marshal Angela Gardner</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;"The church building is gone but our church family and faith is not."The cause of the fire has not been released. There were no injuries reported.

Fire destroys church in rural Kansas community

RAY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Saturday in Ray County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 GMC Sierra driven by a 16-year-old Polo, Missouri, girl was northbound on MO 13 just north of Route HH.&nbsp; The pickup crossed the center of the road and struck a southbound 2018 Ford Explorer driven by a 62-year-old driven by a 62-year-old Richmond woman.

A southbound 2002 Dodge Ram driven by a 21-year-old Lathrop man then rear-ended the SUV.

The driver of the Ford was pronounced dead at the scene. Ray County EMS transported the teen driver to North Kansas City Hospital. There were not other injuries. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

RAY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Saturday in Ray County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 GMC Sierra driven by a 16-year-old Polo, Missouri, girl was northbound on MO 13 just north of Route HH.&nbsp; The pickup crossed the center of the road and struck a southbound 2018 Ford Explorer driven by a 62-year-old driven by a 62-year-old Richmond woman.A southbound 2002 Dodge Ram driven by a 21-year-old Lathrop man then rear-ended the SUV.The driver of the Ford was pronounced dead at the scene. Ray County EMS transported the teen driver to North Kansas City Hospital. There were not other injuries. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.<figure>
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Missouri woman killed, teen driver injured after 3-vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

On Christmas Eve, police were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Kenneth Lane in Belton regarding shots fired.  Upon their arrival, officers found that a residence had been shot several times, but no injuries occurred. 

 This was the third such incident involving this residence within the last week. Officers began their investigation and were able to determine a suspect and suspect vehicle description which was broadcast to surrounding agencies. 

 A short time later, officers were notified that the suspect vehicle had been located at a nursing facility in Raymore.  Belton officers responded to the facility and, with the assistance of Raymore officers, were able to identify and locate the driver of the suspect vehicle. 

 This individual was taken into custody for further investigation.  Officers were also able to locate and recover a weapon of the same caliber used in the shooting at the scene.

On Wednesday, the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office charged 21-year-old Pharrell Canady of Belton with three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Armed Criminal Action in relation to these incidents.  Pharrell is currently being held in the Cass County Jail on no bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735300274840.png" alt="Canady- photo Cass County" />
 <figcaption>Canady- photo Cass County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.On Christmas Eve, police were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Kenneth Lane in Belton regarding shots fired. Upon their arrival, officers found that a residence had been shot several times, but no injuries occurred. This was the third such incident involving this residence within the last week. Officers began their investigation and were able to determine a suspect and suspect vehicle description which was broadcast to surrounding agencies. A short time later, officers were notified that the suspect vehicle had been located at a nursing facility in Raymore. Belton officers responded to the facility and, with the assistance of Raymore officers, were able to identify and locate the driver of the suspect vehicle. This individual was taken into custody for further investigation. Officers were also able to locate and recover a weapon of the same caliber used in the shooting at the scene.On Wednesday, the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office charged 21-year-old Pharrell Canady of Belton with three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Armed Criminal Action in relation to these incidents. Pharrell is currently being held in the Cass County Jail on no bond.

Man accused of shooting at KC area home Christmas Eve

PETTIS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10a.m. Saturday in Pettis County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by a 17-year-old Sedalia boy was eastbound on Smasal Road just east of Welliver Road. The pickup traveled off the road and struck a creek embankment.

The teen driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was released to Heckart Funeral Home. An 18-year-old&nbsp; male passenger was transported to Bothwell Regional Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.

PETTIS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10a.m. Saturday in Pettis County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by a 17-year-old Sedalia boy was eastbound on Smasal Road just east of Welliver Road. The pickup traveled off the road and struck a creek embankment.The teen driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was released to Heckart Funeral Home. An 18-year-old&nbsp; male passenger was transported to Bothwell Regional Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.<figure>
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alt="image.png" />
 <figcaption>image.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

Missouri teen killed after pickup strikes creek embankment

DAYTON, Ohio – A former Kansas doctor was arrested by federal agents this week and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape, according to the United State's Attorney.

 Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His current home on Kenwood Road in&nbsp;Sycamore Township, Ohio and vehicles were searched and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.

It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.

Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Kansas, Colorado and Ohio.

The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.

Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734724913138.png" alt="Tanzer photo Shelby County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tanzer photo Shelby County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>DAYTON, Ohio – A former Kansas doctor was arrested by federal agents this week and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape, according to the United State's Attorney. Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His current home on Kenwood Road in&nbsp;Sycamore Township, Ohio and vehicles were searched and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Kansas, Colorado and Ohio.The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:<ul>
 <li>When the victim arrived home, she noticed an odor that smelled to her like brewed tea or burnt marijuana.</li><li>The rapist was dressed from head to toe in black Lycra, including black gloves and a face mask. He had a black gym bag with him.</li><li>The assailant held a knife to the victim’s throat.</li><li>The rapist used white surgical tape from the gym bag to wrap around the victim’s eyes and head. He used stockings and panty hose from the victim’s dresser to bind her hands and feet to the headboard and footboard of her bed.</li><li>The rapist cut or tore the victim’s clothing and used Vaseline.</li><li>The rapist assaulted the victim vaginally, orally and anally. In between bouts of sexual conduct, the assailant used a cloth to wipe the victim’s mouth and genital areas.</li><li>The rapist said nothing during the entire encounter. He occasionally took breaks from sexually assaulting the victim while the victim remained tied to her bed.</li><li>The rapist listened to and erased answering machine messages. He looked through papers in the victim’s living room and rummaged through her purse. He unplugged and/or disconnected telephones.</li><li>On the handset of the telephone in the bedroom, the rapist taped a piece of newspaper that had been cut from the paper on the couch in the victim’s living room and wrote, “No police or I’ll be back Mis [sic] [name of victim’s employer]”</li><li>The victim described the rapist as white, with dark brown hair, approximately six feet tall with a thin or athletic build.</li><li>The assault took place over the course of more than five and a half hours.</li>
 </ul>

Search continues for victims of former Kan. doctor accused of rape

LABETTE COUNTY—One person was injured in a small plane accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Labette County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Cozy Club Fixed Wing Aircraft piloted by Michael R.&nbsp; Ribordy, 26, New Strawn, Kansas, was attempting a landing at a private grass strip at 1502 21000 Road in Parsons.

Upon approach, the aircraft struck a power line causing it to nose the ground.

&nbsp;EMS transported Ribordy to the Labette County Health for treatment of a suspected serious injury, according to the KHP.

LABETTE COUNTY—One person was injured in a small plane accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Labette County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1992 Cozy Club Fixed Wing Aircraft piloted by Michael R.&nbsp; Ribordy, 26, New Strawn, Kansas, was attempting a landing at a private grass strip at 1502 21000 Road in Parsons.Upon approach, the aircraft struck a power line causing it to nose the ground.&nbsp;EMS transported Ribordy to the Labette County Health for treatment of a suspected serious injury, according to the KHP.

Kan. pilot injured after small plane strikes power line

Draft legislation removes HINU from BIA control while retaining federal funding

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

TOPEKA — Two Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation propose Haskell Indian Nations University be granted a federal charter to operate under authority of the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a/f/afc91de5-4583-4567-b4a3-472b85f142a7/A666B8649CA691F7F70C435298D0BA130CED3B020FC81FE1F0969E49A8205BA2.12.10.24-haskell-charter-section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">legislation transferring control of HINU</a>&nbsp;while maintaining federal funding to the university was drafted in response to BIA incompetence that damaged educational opportunities for Native Americans on the Lawrence campus.

Brittany Hall, president of the Haskell Board of Regents, said the university encountered barriers to progress and innovation that stemmed from operational constraints within BIA and its parent agency the U.S. Department of Interior.

“These challenges, while not unique to Haskell, underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. congressional charter — one that enables the university to thrive while better serving its students and communities,” Hall said.

Moran said HINU previously provided students from federally recognized tribes a tuition-free education in an environment that prioritized indigenous culture, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs for years had “neglected and mismanaged” the university.

“The bureau has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school,” Moran said. “It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the tribal community.”

There has been frustration the BIA was unwilling to address concerns raised by the tribal community, including reports of sexual harassment on campus. The university has operated without sufficient financial support of essential programs and has grappled with a high dropout rate. Campus infrastructure is outdated and technology is obsolete.

Mann, who serves the 1st District that includes Lawrence, said HINU should be the jewel of Native American education. That goal hasn’t been attained, he said, because the university “for far too long has been failed by the federal government.”

“It is obvious that the best way to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture is to charter the university and remove its governance from the federal bureaucrats to a Board of Regents nominated by tribal communities,” Mann said. “This new chapter for Haskell is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s imperative that those most directly impacted have a welcome, active voice in helping us enact this change.”

Initial conversations about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/d/fda05538-4849-42ce-b74a-511fab1623b2/1D3AC39B28AD7071F393D2B6F2B91D1870BC3300599871079963795D4193035A.12.12.24---haskell-indian-nations-university-improvement-act.pdf" target="_blank">the draft of reform legislation</a>&nbsp;have occurred with the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members and students and staff at the university. Moran and Mann requested public comment on the concept be sent to&nbsp;feedback@moran.senate.gov&nbsp;by Feb. 1.

Joseph Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said he appreciated work by members of the Kansas congressional delegation on legislation furthering the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian people.

“I look forward to discussions in the new year with tribal leaders and Haskell alums, faculty and students so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future and its funding,” Rupnick said.

The four-year university enrolls about 1,000 students. Students are drawn from more than 130 federally recognized tribes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735234698024.jpeg" alt=" U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, both Kansas Republicans, support draft legislation that would grant a federal charter to place control of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence under the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, both Kansas Republicans, support draft legislation that would grant a federal charter to place control of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence under the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Draft legislation removes HINU from BIA control while retaining federal funding</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Two Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation propose Haskell Indian Nations University be granted a federal charter to operate under authority of the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a/f/afc91de5-4583-4567-b4a3-472b85f142a7/A666B8649CA691F7F70C435298D0BA130CED3B020FC81FE1F0969E49A8205BA2.12.10.24-haskell-charter-section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">legislation transferring control of HINU</a>&nbsp;while maintaining federal funding to the university was drafted in response to BIA incompetence that damaged educational opportunities for Native Americans on the Lawrence campus.Brittany Hall, president of the Haskell Board of Regents, said the university encountered barriers to progress and innovation that stemmed from operational constraints within BIA and its parent agency the U.S. Department of Interior.“These challenges, while not unique to Haskell, underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. congressional charter — one that enables the university to thrive while better serving its students and communities,” Hall said.Moran said HINU previously provided students from federally recognized tribes a tuition-free education in an environment that prioritized indigenous culture, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs for years had “neglected and mismanaged” the university.“The bureau has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school,” Moran said. “It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the tribal community.”There has been frustration the BIA was unwilling to address concerns raised by the tribal community, including reports of sexual harassment on campus. The university has operated without sufficient financial support of essential programs and has grappled with a high dropout rate. Campus infrastructure is outdated and technology is obsolete.Mann, who serves the 1st District that includes Lawrence, said HINU should be the jewel of Native American education. That goal hasn’t been attained, he said, because the university “for far too long has been failed by the federal government.”“It is obvious that the best way to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture is to charter the university and remove its governance from the federal bureaucrats to a Board of Regents nominated by tribal communities,” Mann said. “This new chapter for Haskell is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s imperative that those most directly impacted have a welcome, active voice in helping us enact this change.”Initial conversations about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/d/fda05538-4849-42ce-b74a-511fab1623b2/1D3AC39B28AD7071F393D2B6F2B91D1870BC3300599871079963795D4193035A.12.12.24---haskell-indian-nations-university-improvement-act.pdf" target="_blank">the draft of reform legislation</a>&nbsp;have occurred with the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members and students and staff at the university. Moran and Mann requested public comment on the concept be sent to&nbsp;feedback@moran.senate.gov&nbsp;by Feb. 1.Joseph Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said he appreciated work by members of the Kansas congressional delegation on legislation furthering the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian people.“I look forward to discussions in the new year with tribal leaders and Haskell alums, faculty and students so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future and its funding,” Rupnick said.The four-year university enrolls about 1,000 students. Students are drawn from more than 130 federally recognized tribes.

Moran, Mann work to place Native American university under Haskell Board of Regents

UPU Industries closed their Junction City operation earlier this month. The closure was confirmed by HR Manager Suzanne Deegan.

UPU has been providing net wrap for round hay bales. According to the company social media page "UPU is the only manufacturer of premium range bale netting and pallet wrapping in the United States, perfect for agricultural and industrial use – from Patriot Netwrap to Baler Twine"

There were 30 employees at the plant, which began its operation in Junction City in 2003. Deegan noted that about 85% of those employees have located other work.

The UPU Industries parent company will remain in business. They are headquartered in Northern Ireland.

By Dewey Terrill JC PostUPU Industries closed their Junction City operation earlier this month. The closure was confirmed by HR Manager Suzanne Deegan.UPU has been providing net wrap for round hay bales. According to the company social media page "UPU is the only manufacturer of premium range bale netting and pallet wrapping in the United States, perfect for agricultural and industrial use – from Patriot Netwrap to Baler Twine" There were 30 employees at the plant, which began its operation in Junction City in 2003. Deegan noted that about 85% of those employees have located other work.The UPU Industries parent company will remain in business. They are headquartered in Northern Ireland.

Kansas manufacturer with 30 employees is closed

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in a fire Friday in Topeka.

Just after 4 a.m., firefighters&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 1412 SE Lott Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

 Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home and extinguished the fire. Multiple occupants escaped prior to crews arrival. Two occupants were treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire as accidental, associated with a space heater.

The loss associated with the fire is approximately $83,000. $78,000 to the house and $5,000 to a car parked next to the house.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735325341121.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in a fire Friday in Topeka.Just after 4 a.m., firefighters&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 1412 SE Lott Street in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home and extinguished the fire. Multiple occupants escaped prior to crews arrival. Two occupants were treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.Investigators determined the cause of the fire as accidental, associated with a space heater.The loss associated with the fire is approximately $83,000. $78,000 to the house and $5,000 to a car parked next to the house.

Two hospitalized after fire caused by space heater at Kansas home

In the middle of the holiday season, a Mega Millions® ticket-holder in California has a lot to celebrate! A single ticket sold in the state matched all six numbers drawn on December 27 – the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49 and 55, plus the gold Mega Ball 6. 

The jackpot is worth an estimated $1.22 billion ($549.7 million cash); it’s the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history, and the seventh Mega Millions jackpot greater than $1 billion. The winning ticket was sold in Cottonwood, Calif. “Congratulations to our $1.22 billion jackpot winner from California,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium. “What an amazing present this holiday season!

 At an incredibly special time of year, this is both an incredibly special moment for our winner, and for all the great organizations and causes that benefit from lottery ticket sales around the country. 

Thank you to everyone who plays. Because of you, we have winners all around the country taking home cash prizes both big and small, and we have educational causes, parks and many other great organizations benefiting as well. Thank you and congratulations to all our winners.

”There were more than 31.4 million winning tickets across all prize tiers during this 31-drawing run, which began after the last jackpot was won in Texas on September 10. 

These include 65 second-tier prizes of $1 million or more, won in 26 different jurisdictions from coast to coast: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The December 27 drawing alone produced 5,691,299 winning tickets across all prize tiers, in addition to the jackpot-winning ticket. Five tickets matched the five white balls to win the game’s second-tier prize; two were sold in California, and one each in Arizona, Missouri and Texas. Across the country, 157 tickets matched four white balls plus the Mega Ball to win the game’s third-tier prize. 

Twenty-eight are worth $30,000 each because they included the optional Megaplier (available in most states with an extra $1 purchase), which was 3X Friday night. 

The other 129 third-tier winning tickets take home the standard $10,000 each. Note: Non-jackpot prize amounts in California will vary, as they are calculated on a pari-mutuel basis. It’s only the fourth Mega Millions jackpot won in 2024, and with only one more drawing this year, odds are that the year will end with the fewest jackpots won in any year since the game began in 2002. 

In addition to the $810 million Texas win on September 10, a $552 million windfall went to an Illinois online player on June 4 (the largest lottery prize ever won with an online ticket purchase), and a huge $1.128 billion prize was won in New Jersey on March 26.<a href="https://www.megamillions.com/About/Jackpot-History.aspx">See the complete Mega Millions jackpot history.</a>&nbsp;The jackpot for the next drawing on Tuesday, December 31, resets to its current starting value of $20 million ($9.0 million cash).

There has never been a Mega Millions jackpot win on New Year’s Eve. Mega Millions is the only lottery game that has produced seven jackpot wins exceeding $1 billion each – all in different states. South Carolina was the first in 2018, followed by Michigan in 2021, Illinois in 2022, Maine and Florida in 2023, New Jersey last March and now California. The Florida prize on August 8, 2023, is the game’s current record jackpot at $1.602 billion. Tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets are $2 each; in most jurisdictions, players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to multiply their non-jackpot prizes. 

Half of the proceeds from the sale of each Mega Millions ticket remains in the state where the ticket was sold, where the money supports designated good causes and retailer commissions.

Drawings are conducted at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Georgia. The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24; the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.

Mega MillionsIn the middle of the holiday season, a Mega Millions® ticket-holder in California has a lot to celebrate! A single ticket sold in the state matched all six numbers drawn on December 27 – the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49 and 55, plus the gold Mega Ball 6. The jackpot is worth an estimated $1.22 billion ($549.7 million cash); it’s the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in history, and the seventh Mega Millions jackpot greater than $1 billion. The winning ticket was sold in Cottonwood, Calif. “Congratulations to our $1.22 billion jackpot winner from California,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium. “What an amazing present this holiday season! At an incredibly special time of year, this is both an incredibly special moment for our winner, and for all the great organizations and causes that benefit from lottery ticket sales around the country. Thank you to everyone who plays. Because of you, we have winners all around the country taking home cash prizes both big and small, and we have educational causes, parks and many other great organizations benefiting as well. Thank you and congratulations to all our winners.”There were more than 31.4 million winning tickets across all prize tiers during this 31-drawing run, which began after the last jackpot was won in Texas on September 10. These include 65 second-tier prizes of $1 million or more, won in 26 different jurisdictions from coast to coast: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.The December 27 drawing alone produced 5,691,299 winning tickets across all prize tiers, in addition to the jackpot-winning ticket. Five tickets matched the five white balls to win the game’s second-tier prize; two were sold in California, and one each in Arizona, Missouri and Texas. Across the country, 157 tickets matched four white balls plus the Mega Ball to win the game’s third-tier prize. Twenty-eight are worth $30,000 each because they included the optional Megaplier (available in most states with an extra $1 purchase), which was 3X Friday night. The other 129 third-tier winning tickets take home the standard $10,000 each. Note: Non-jackpot prize amounts in California will vary, as they are calculated on a pari-mutuel basis. It’s only the fourth Mega Millions jackpot won in 2024, and with only one more drawing this year, odds are that the year will end with the fewest jackpots won in any year since the game began in 2002. In addition to the $810 million Texas win on September 10, a $552 million windfall went to an Illinois online player on June 4 (the largest lottery prize ever won with an online ticket purchase), and a huge $1.128 billion prize was won in New Jersey on March 26.<a href="https://www.megamillions.com/About/Jackpot-History.aspx">See the complete Mega Millions jackpot history.</a>&nbsp;The jackpot for the next drawing on Tuesday, December 31, resets to its current starting value of $20 million ($9.0 million cash). There has never been a Mega Millions jackpot win on New Year’s Eve. Mega Millions is the only lottery game that has produced seven jackpot wins exceeding $1 billion each – all in different states. South Carolina was the first in 2018, followed by Michigan in 2021, Illinois in 2022, Maine and Florida in 2023, New Jersey last March and now California. The Florida prize on August 8, 2023, is the game’s current record jackpot at $1.602 billion. Tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets are $2 each; in most jurisdictions, players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 to multiply their non-jackpot prizes. Half of the proceeds from the sale of each Mega Millions ticket remains in the state where the ticket was sold, where the money supports designated good causes and retailer commissions.Drawings are conducted at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta, Georgia. The overall odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24; the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.

Mega Millions: Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold

CAMDEN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Friday in Camden County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Jeep Patriot driven by a 38-year-old Linn Creek woman was northbound on Route TT&nbsp; at a high rate of speed just north of Crabapple Pass.

The jeep began to skid as it approached a curve. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, struck two trees, rolled and the driver was ejected. She was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

CAMDEN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Friday in Camden County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Jeep Patriot driven by a 38-year-old Linn Creek woman was northbound on Route TT&nbsp; at a high rate of speed just north of Crabapple Pass.The jeep began to skid as it approached a curve. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, struck two trees, rolled and the driver was ejected. She was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home.&nbsp; She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.<figure>
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" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Missouri woman dies after ejected in jeep rollover crash

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident during a police pursuit just after 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy pickup driven by Brian Trober, 31, Kansas City, Kansas was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 exiting to Interstate 635 southbound. 

The driver lost control of the pickup. It entered the southwest ditch, struck a metal guardrail, overturned down a rock embankment and came to rest in the north ditch off Kaw Drive.

EMS transported Trober and a passenger 21-year-old Bradley Kirch of Kansas City, Kansas to KU Medical Center where Trober died.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Trober had multiple previous convictions including for theft, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery of a Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; The KHP did not report what prompted the chase. The pickup involved in the crash did not have a license plate displayed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735317543887.png" alt="Trober had multiple previous convictions including theft, aggravated battery, battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.- photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Trober had multiple previous convictions including theft, aggravated battery, battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.- photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident during a police pursuit just after 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy pickup driven by Brian Trober, 31, Kansas City, Kansas was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 exiting to Interstate 635 southbound. The driver lost control of the pickup. It entered the southwest ditch, struck a metal guardrail, overturned down a rock embankment and came to rest in the north ditch off Kaw Drive.EMS transported Trober and a passenger 21-year-old Bradley Kirch of Kansas City, Kansas to KU Medical Center where Trober died.&nbsp; &nbsp; Trober had multiple previous convictions including for theft, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery of a Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; The KHP did not report what prompted the chase. The pickup involved in the crash did not have a license plate displayed.

Kansas felon dies after crash during I-70 police chase

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Junction City.

Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, a man entered the Sunflower Bank, 510 North Jefferson Street in Junction City, according to a media release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The suspect showed a firearm and demanded cash and ran from the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

Check the Post for additional details on the suspect as they are made available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735350419983.png" alt="Photo JC Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo JC Police</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Junction City.Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, a man entered the Sunflower Bank, 510 North Jefferson Street in Junction City, according to a media release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.The suspect showed a firearm and demanded cash and ran from the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.Check the Post for additional details on the suspect as they are made available.

FBI: Suspect escaped with cash from Kansas bank robbery

KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just before 7:30a.m. crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 1700 block of E. 79th&nbsp;Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant structure and site of a previous burn. Offensive interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines and searches were conducted. 

As the fire progressed the decision to evacuate was made and defensive operations initiated.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735312911376.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.Just before 7:30a.m. crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 1700 block of E. 79th&nbsp;Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735312890993.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant structure and site of a previous burn. Offensive interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines and searches were conducted. As the fire progressed the decision to evacuate was made and defensive operations initiated.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cause of Kansas City house fire under investigation

The former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jeremy-kohler/">JEREMY KOHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alexmierjeski/">ALEX MIERJESKI</a>&nbsp;

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=reprint&amp;placement=top-note" target="_blank">The Big Story newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named his nominee to head the IRS, touts his expertise in tax matters.

He advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor, and he adds CTBA to his name on his X profile. That profile encourages people to message him to “save 40% on your taxes.”

But tax experts told ProPublica that they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession. The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire, which was established just two years ago and only requires attendance at a three-day seminar. That is in stark contrast to the 150 credit hours and the rigorous exams required to become a certified public accountant, a standard certification for tax accountants.

In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents — federally authorized tax practitioners — can represent taxpayers at the IRS.

“The cost of relying on tax advice from somebody that is solely focused on minimizing the tax liabilities that you have — as opposed to somebody that’s focused on both minimizing the tax liabilities and complying with the tax law — can be extraordinarily high if you are found to be in violation of the standards,” said Nathan Goldman, an associate professor of accounting at North Carolina State University.

Excel Empire’s three-day certification course has been advertised for as much as $30,000;&nbsp;<a href="https://ctba.excelempire.com/live-sales" target="_blank">its upcoming session is advertised at $4,997</a>. Matthew Pearson, one of its founders,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUy-3pcse8I" target="_blank">said this summer in a podcast</a>&nbsp;that about 135 people have earned the CTBA designation, which the firm designed to help people without tax backgrounds to become advisors.

Nina Olson, a prominent taxpayer advocate, said that the modern tax industry has seen “a proliferation of different groups and entities that are providing tax advice” and that consumers have no way of knowing who is competent.

“It could just be that you’ve taken a very short course, and paid a large fee for that course, and that gives you the ability to put some initials after your name,” said Olson, who served as the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019. She is now executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes fairness and access to justice in tax systems.

Tax experts said that Long’s years of experience as a real estate agent and as an auctioneer — before spending a dozen years in Congress — pales next to the deep experience in tax policy or management of the people who have held the job. For instance, the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, previously served as acting IRS commissioner and held leadership roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He also worked in the private sector as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.

Long’s experience in the tax world has been more narrowly focused. In the two years since he left Congress, he worked to bring in customers for at least two firms that marketed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit" target="_blank">employee retention credit</a>&nbsp;— a pandemic-era benefit designed to support businesses that kept workers despite revenue losses or disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The credit also attracted fraud, eventually landing on the IRS’ “<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">worst of the worst</a>” list for tax scams. Two Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday announced an investigation into the firms, noting Long had neither a “background in tax preparation nor any credential as a licensed accountant, attorney or enrolled agent.”

<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERC-COVID-Snapshot-5.7.21_full-text.pdf" target="_blank">Worth up to $28,000 per employee</a>, the credit was available for the 2020 and 2021 tax years and has been widely used by both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations across the country. However, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-beware-of-aggressive-promoters-who-dupe-taxpayers-into-making-questionable-employee-retention-credit-claims-risks-continue-for-small-businesses-special-withdrawal-program-remains-available" target="_blank">raised significant concerns</a>&nbsp;about aggressive promoters pushing ineligible businesses to file questionable claims. Red flags included inflated payroll numbers, claims for all quarters without proper eligibility or citing minor government orders that did not directly impact business operations.

The IRS says it has recovered over $1 billion from businesses that voluntarily reported improper claims. And it has launched hundreds of criminal investigations to try to recoup what it says could be billions of dollars more.

In a prepared statement in November, Werfel said businesses should review their claims and see if they were misled by firms marketing the tax credit.

“They should listen to trusted tax professionals, not promoters,” he said.

In a 2023 podcast discussing his work for the two firms, Long joked that he had a hat bearing the name of the credit glued to his head. He said his work marketing the tax credit had caused some clients to question their CPAs’ advice.

“Hey, this auctioneer, real estate broker, former congressman told me I’m going to get $1.2 million back,” he said. “Uh, you’re my CPA. Why didn’t you tell me that?” And he said the response of CPAs would be: “That’s a joke. That’s a fake deal. That’s not true. You’re going to have to pay all that money back. You’ll get audited.”

But he said the firms he worked for had never seen the IRS turn down one of their claims.

There is no evidence that either Excel Empire, Long or the firms that he worked for — Lifetime Advisors of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Commerce Terrace Consulting of Springfield, Missouri — engaged in wrongdoing. In the same 2023 podcast, Long emphasized he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.

Neither Long, Lifetime Advisors nor Commerce Terrace Consulting responded to requests for comment.

If Long is confirmed and succeeds Werfel, he’ll have the power to influence how Americans pay their taxes and how the federal government collects revenue. Trump has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-trumps-plan-to-end-irs-overstepping-could-mean-for-audits-of-rich-people-and-call-hold-times-for-everyone-else-67e4231e?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">end IRS “overstepping,”</a>&nbsp;while Republicans have said that they would slash billions of dollars in funding passed under the Biden administration to modernize the IRS and enhance tax enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986359615.png" alt=" Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jeremy-kohler/">JEREMY KOHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alexmierjeski/">ALEX MIERJESKI</a>&nbsp;ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=reprint&amp;placement=top-note" target="_blank">The Big Story newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive stories like this one in your inbox.Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named his nominee to head the IRS, touts his expertise in tax matters.He advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor, and he adds CTBA to his name on his X profile. That profile encourages people to message him to “save 40% on your taxes.”But tax experts told ProPublica that they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession. The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire, which was established just two years ago and only requires attendance at a three-day seminar. That is in stark contrast to the 150 credit hours and the rigorous exams required to become a certified public accountant, a standard certification for tax accountants.In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents — federally authorized tax practitioners — can represent taxpayers at the IRS.“The cost of relying on tax advice from somebody that is solely focused on minimizing the tax liabilities that you have — as opposed to somebody that’s focused on both minimizing the tax liabilities and complying with the tax law — can be extraordinarily high if you are found to be in violation of the standards,” said Nathan Goldman, an associate professor of accounting at North Carolina State University.Excel Empire’s three-day certification course has been advertised for as much as $30,000;&nbsp;<a href="https://ctba.excelempire.com/live-sales" target="_blank">its upcoming session is advertised at $4,997</a>. Matthew Pearson, one of its founders,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUy-3pcse8I" target="_blank">said this summer in a podcast</a>&nbsp;that about 135 people have earned the CTBA designation, which the firm designed to help people without tax backgrounds to become advisors.Nina Olson, a prominent taxpayer advocate, said that the modern tax industry has seen “a proliferation of different groups and entities that are providing tax advice” and that consumers have no way of knowing who is competent.“It could just be that you’ve taken a very short course, and paid a large fee for that course, and that gives you the ability to put some initials after your name,” said Olson, who served as the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019. She is now executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes fairness and access to justice in tax systems.Tax experts said that Long’s years of experience as a real estate agent and as an auctioneer — before spending a dozen years in Congress — pales next to the deep experience in tax policy or management of the people who have held the job. For instance, the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, previously served as acting IRS commissioner and held leadership roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He also worked in the private sector as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.Long’s experience in the tax world has been more narrowly focused. In the two years since he left Congress, he worked to bring in customers for at least two firms that marketed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit" target="_blank">employee retention credit</a>&nbsp;— a pandemic-era benefit designed to support businesses that kept workers despite revenue losses or disruptions caused by COVID-19.The credit also attracted fraud, eventually landing on the IRS’ “<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">worst of the worst</a>” list for tax scams. Two Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday announced an investigation into the firms, noting Long had neither a “background in tax preparation nor any credential as a licensed accountant, attorney or enrolled agent.”<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERC-COVID-Snapshot-5.7.21_full-text.pdf" target="_blank">Worth up to $28,000 per employee</a>, the credit was available for the 2020 and 2021 tax years and has been widely used by both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations across the country. However, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-beware-of-aggressive-promoters-who-dupe-taxpayers-into-making-questionable-employee-retention-credit-claims-risks-continue-for-small-businesses-special-withdrawal-program-remains-available" target="_blank">raised significant concerns</a>&nbsp;about aggressive promoters pushing ineligible businesses to file questionable claims. Red flags included inflated payroll numbers, claims for all quarters without proper eligibility or citing minor government orders that did not directly impact business operations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986435081.png" alt=" A photo hanging up in U.S. Rep. Billy Long’s former office in Washington, D.C., shows him departing Air Force One with former President Donald Trump (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption> A photo hanging up in U.S. Rep. Billy Long’s former office in Washington, D.C., shows him departing Air Force One with former President Donald Trump (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure>The IRS says it has recovered over $1 billion from businesses that voluntarily reported improper claims. And it has launched hundreds of criminal investigations to try to recoup what it says could be billions of dollars more.In a prepared statement in November, Werfel said businesses should review their claims and see if they were misled by firms marketing the tax credit.“They should listen to trusted tax professionals, not promoters,” he said.In a 2023 podcast discussing his work for the two firms, Long joked that he had a hat bearing the name of the credit glued to his head. He said his work marketing the tax credit had caused some clients to question their CPAs’ advice.“Hey, this auctioneer, real estate broker, former congressman told me I’m going to get $1.2 million back,” he said. “Uh, you’re my CPA. Why didn’t you tell me that?” And he said the response of CPAs would be: “That’s a joke. That’s a fake deal. That’s not true. You’re going to have to pay all that money back. You’ll get audited.”But he said the firms he worked for had never seen the IRS turn down one of their claims.There is no evidence that either Excel Empire, Long or the firms that he worked for — Lifetime Advisors of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Commerce Terrace Consulting of Springfield, Missouri — engaged in wrongdoing. In the same 2023 podcast, Long emphasized he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.Neither Long, Lifetime Advisors nor Commerce Terrace Consulting responded to requests for comment.If Long is confirmed and succeeds Werfel, he’ll have the power to influence how Americans pay their taxes and how the federal government collects revenue. Trump has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-trumps-plan-to-end-irs-overstepping-could-mean-for-audits-of-rich-people-and-call-hold-times-for-everyone-else-67e4231e?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">end IRS “overstepping,”</a>&nbsp;while Republicans have said that they would slash billions of dollars in funding passed under the Biden administration to modernize the IRS and enhance tax enforcement.The IRS and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment.During his time representing Southwest Missouri in Congress, Long pursued legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-159/issue-78/house-section/article/H3106-4?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22%5C%22billy+long%5C%22+%5C%22fair+tax%5C%22%22%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=3" target="_blank">abolish the IRS</a>&nbsp;and establish a national sales tax. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, recently asked on X&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-its-funding-deleted-poll-1992953" target="_blank">if the agency’s budget should be “deleted.”</a>Like Long, members of Excel Empire suggest that accountants don’t feel it is their role to save their clients money because they prioritize compliance over planning and are too busy during tax season to discuss strategies. The company’s website claims the firm has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.Edward Lyon, who is listed on Excel Empire’s website as chief tax planner and tax attorney, writes on his personal website that the seven most expensive words in the English language are “<a href="https://edwardalyon.com/about" target="_blank">My CPA takes care of my taxes</a>.”Lyon elaborated on a podcast last year, noting that accountants “generally are rule followers,” but when it comes to lawyers, “we are trained to understand the rules but we’re trained to stretch the rules and bend the rules and poke at the rules and do an end run around the rules. It’s a much more proactive focus.” Still, he has consistently emphasized that his company acts “legally, ethically and morally.”The company’s co-founder, Pearson, once described Lyon on a podcast as the “preeminent proactive tax attorney in the country.” Lyon and Pearson declined to comment.The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Lyon’s law license in 2005 for failing to meet registration and fee requirements on time, and he hasn’t regained it. He also does not appear to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment advisor.Despite this, Lyon says he has trained tens of thousands of tax and finance professionals. As the author of several books and a column, he claims to be one of the country’s most widely read tax strategists and commands speaking fees of $15,000 and first-class travel arrangements.Lyon has also developed several tax certification programs. On the Excel Empire website, some officers, including Pearson, use a title created by Lyon: tax master.Appearing on another podcast, Lyon discussed how small businesses can be used as tax shelters. As an example, he asked the host,&nbsp;<a href="https://excelempire.com/our-leadership-team-2/" target="_blank">Heather Wagenhals</a>&nbsp;— who also carries the CTBA title — if she had a swimming pool at her home, where she records her show.“I do,” Wagenhals said. “That’s why I picked this one.”Lyon responded: “All right, so I’m gonna rock your world in five words, ready? On-premises employee athletic facility.”“Oh my God!” Wagenhals said.Lyon added: “It’s really there in the tax code, and nobody’s told you that.”In another podcast, Pearson brags about firing an accountant who balked at his request for advice about how to use a new Corvette “to keep from paying taxes.”Olson said that attitude was disturbing and that simplistic answers can create problems for taxpayers in IRS audits and in the courts. “A swimming pool in someone’s home, even if employees are working in the home and using it, still would require the court to look at the percentage of employee use versus personal use — and they would look really closely at that,” she said.