TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday urged local officials to consider using part of federal coronavirus assistance to pay for more drop-off boxes for mail-in ballots.

Kelly said during a Monday press conference that adding drop-off boxes would help keep Kansans safe from COVID-19 and relieve pressure on the postal service ahead of the November election.

The Kansas secretary of state’s office has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/af2fd14acc2be2c94dfa5463d47593cb">offered</a>&nbsp;each county up to two drop-off boxes where people can deposit their absentee ballots.

Kelly said she instructed her staff last week to send a letter to local government officials telling them that they can use a portion of federal coronavirus relief funds to add drop boxes.

The Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 1,564 new confirmed COVID-19 cases since Friday, an increase of 3.81%, to bring the total to 42,612. The department reported an additional three COVID-19-related deaths, to put the pandemic total at 446.

The three-day jump in reported coronavirus cases again gave Kansas its biggest seven-day spike in new cases since the pandemic reached the state in early March.

The average number of new cases for the seven days ending Monday was 602, or 0.5% higher than the previous peak of 599 for the seven days ending Friday.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday urged local officials to consider using part of federal coronavirus assistance to pay for more drop-off boxes for mail-in ballots.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F356732891998559%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Kelly said during a Monday press conference that adding drop-off boxes would help keep Kansans safe from COVID-19 and relieve pressure on the postal service ahead of the November election.The Kansas secretary of state’s office has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/af2fd14acc2be2c94dfa5463d47593cb">offered</a>&nbsp;each county up to two drop-off boxes where people can deposit their absentee ballots.Kelly said she instructed her staff last week to send a letter to local government officials telling them that they can use a portion of federal coronavirus relief funds to add drop boxes.The Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 1,564 new confirmed COVID-19 cases since Friday, an increase of 3.81%, to bring the total to 42,612. The department reported an additional three COVID-19-related deaths, to put the pandemic total at 446.The three-day jump in reported coronavirus cases again gave Kansas its biggest seven-day spike in new cases since the pandemic reached the state in early March.The average number of new cases for the seven days ending Monday was 602, or 0.5% higher than the previous peak of 599 for the seven days ending Friday.___

🎥 Kansas gov. urges local officials to add ballot drop-off boxes

VINITA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the deaths of two people and the disappearance of two teenage girls more than 20 years ago.

Ronnie Busick, 69, Wichita, was sentenced Monday i<a href="https://craigcountyso.com/inmate-search.php?FullName=busick&amp;Search=Search">n Craig County </a>on one count of accessory to murder, said Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Brook Arbeitman.

Busick, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d867480c8bdaafe2d0f6a9db9a005fb">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in July, could have earned a reduction in his sentence by showing authorities where the bodies of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman were located, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b48eaf595d69d063f23809078e3d4ff">several searches</a>&nbsp;have not recovered the teens’ remains, Arbeitman said.

Bible and Freeman, who were both 16, haven’t been seen since Dec. 30. 1999, after Freeman’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were found slain in their burned mobile home in Welch about 70 miles (113 kilometers) northeast of Tulsa.

Busick, of Wichita, Kansas, was arrested and charged in 2018, and investigators say two other suspects are now dead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598956739361.png" alt="Busick, who has been jailed in Craig County, Oklahoma since April 2018, was given credit for time served." />
 <figcaption>Busick, who has been jailed in Craig County, Oklahoma since April 2018, was given credit for time served.</figcaption>
 </figure>VINITA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the deaths of two people and the disappearance of two teenage girls more than 20 years ago.Ronnie Busick, 69, Wichita, was sentenced Monday i<a href="https://craigcountyso.com/inmate-search.php?FullName=busick&amp;Search=Search">n Craig County </a>on one count of accessory to murder, said Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Brook Arbeitman. Busick, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d867480c8bdaafe2d0f6a9db9a005fb">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in July, could have earned a reduction in his sentence by showing authorities where the bodies of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman were located, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b48eaf595d69d063f23809078e3d4ff">several searches</a>&nbsp;have not recovered the teens’ remains, Arbeitman said.Bible and Freeman, who were both 16, haven’t been seen since Dec. 30. 1999, after Freeman’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were found slain in their burned mobile home in Welch about 70 miles (113 kilometers) northeast of Tulsa.Busick, of Wichita, Kansas, was arrested and charged in 2018, and investigators say two other suspects are now dead.

Kan. man sentenced for Oklahoma cold case murders

KANSAS CITY, KAN. -&nbsp;An Overland Park woman who owned massage parlors in Olathe and Leawood pleaded guilty today to a federal interstate prostitution charge.

Chunqui Wu, 62, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transportation with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. 

An indictment alleges Wu operated three massage parlors: Alpha Massage at 116 S. Clairborne, #A, in Olathe, Kan.; A Plus Massage at 527 N. Mur-Len Road, in Olathe, Kan.; and King Spa at 13104 State Line Road in Leawood, Kan.

Wu’s plea agreement says investigators worked with an undercover confidential source who contacted Wu and asked for a job working in Wu’s massage parlors. Wu made statements indicating she allowed her employees to perform sexual services for tips. Other investigators working undercover confirmed that employees in Wu’s massage parlors were offering sexual services to customers.

Wu was arrested when she went to the Kansas City International airport in Kansas City, Mo., to meet the undercover confidential source and transport her back to Kansas to work in one of Wu’s massage parlors.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 16. Wu could face up to 10 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Olathe Police Department, the Leawood Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598900345466.png" alt="Wu-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Wu-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. -&nbsp;An Overland Park woman who owned massage parlors in Olathe and Leawood pleaded guilty today to a federal interstate prostitution charge.Chunqui Wu, 62, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transportation with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. An indictment alleges Wu operated three massage parlors: Alpha Massage at 116 S. Clairborne, #A, in Olathe, Kan.; A Plus Massage at 527 N. Mur-Len Road, in Olathe, Kan.; and King Spa at 13104 State Line Road in Leawood, Kan.Wu’s plea agreement says investigators worked with an undercover confidential source who contacted Wu and asked for a job working in Wu’s massage parlors. Wu made statements indicating she allowed her employees to perform sexual services for tips. Other investigators working undercover confirmed that employees in Wu’s massage parlors were offering sexual services to customers.Wu was arrested when she went to the Kansas City International airport in Kansas City, Mo., to meet the undercover confidential source and transport her back to Kansas to work in one of Wu’s massage parlors.Sentencing is set for Nov. 16. Wu could face up to 10 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Olathe Police Department, the Leawood Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.

Kan. massage parlor owner admits to prostitution charge

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old Kansas House candidate who admitted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ac948dae17c3dbc36ffe62246925c4f3">circulating revenge porn</a>&nbsp;and abusing young girls online narrowly won his primary race this month with an appeal to young, liberal voters in a safe Democratic district after having run for local office just a year earlier.

Aaron Coleman’s 14-vote victory shows how social media and door-to-door campaigning can rouse voters and overcome an incumbent’s fundraising advantage in a district that hasn’t seen a contested primary in years. It also demonstrates how a platform that includes defunding the police, providing universal health coverage, eliminating college tuition and legalizing marijuana resonates with many Democratic voters.

“You talk to him for two minutes, and you’re like, ‘Ah, yeah, this kid’s good. This kid’s got energy. He’s progressive,’” said Faith Rivera, a liberal Kansas City, Kansas, community activist who called Coleman “a monster” over his behavior toward women and girls.

Coleman’s Aug. 4 victory over seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter in Kansas City, Kansas, put the Kansas Democratic Party in an unwanted national spotlight. The party disowned Coleman when a former girlfriend this past week said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d6ea4066903abd8ef70d60bebe6c8a3c">he was abusive</a>&nbsp;to her, slapping and choking her in a late-December attack. Democrats are backing a fall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f48e9e7b7f82aa29c0dae0fd62cc9d6d">write-in campaign</a>&nbsp;by Frownfelter and talking of trying to block Coleman from being seated if he wins the Nov. 3 general election. No Republican is on the ballot.

Coleman, a community college student and dishwasher, did not return telephone, email or Facebook messages this past week. He recently&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1298357644311355392" target="_blank">tweeted&nbsp;</a>that voters “nominated me, regardless of my sins.” In a June 17 Facebook post admitting that allegations of revenge porn, blackmail and harassing middle-school girls were true, he said he had been “a sick and troubled 14-year-old boy.” He has not publicly addressed the more recent allegations.

State Sen. David Haley, a fellow Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat, said Coleman is “no flash in the pan.”

Coleman ran as an independent write-in candidate for governor in 2018, one of several teenagers who leveraged the state’s lack of a minimum age for the office into media attention.

He also ran last year for a $900-a-month seat on the part-time local board that sets rates and the budget for water and electric services, in a primary against Frownfelter and two others, finishing last. Frownfelter placed first but lost in November after the field narrowed to two.

Frownfelter told voters last year that he planned&nbsp;<a href="http://wyandottedaily.com/seven-candidates-run-for-bpu-districts-1-and-3/" target="_blank">to retire</a>&nbsp;from the House, saying, “It’s time for me to leave.” Coleman quoted that statement in this year’s campaign.

Haley said the utilities board district is similar to the Kansas House district and Coleman stayed engaged to build a broader base.

“He’s savvy,” Haley said. “He knows how to do door-to-door and how to do social media.”

Haley also said Coleman represents “the future” and Democrats are sending a bad message to young voters by disowning him.

“If voters speak, and that’s the majority, we have to honor that,” Haley said.

Since Coleman’s 823-to-809 vote victory over Frownfelter, the incumbent and his allies have faced suggestions that, like many incumbents in long-safe districts, he didn’t work hard.

Frownfelter and campaign manager Brandie Armstrong said he knocked on enough doors to win. Frownfelter spent almost $15,000 on his campaign from January through late July, while Coleman spent about $2,200, according to their finance reports.

The incumbent said he believes older constituents who backed him didn’t vote, expecting that his victory was “in the bag.”

“I had an uneasy feeling out there,” Frownfelter said. “When I walked to the door: ‘Oh, we liked the kid. He had energy and that, but we know he’s not going to win.’”

But Chris Reeves, a Democratic National Committee member for Kansas, suggested the Kansas City area has “a lot of untapped voters.” He said when election outcomes seem set voter participation can wane over time. He compared Frownfelter’s loss to that of veteran Democratic U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/36ae43993c0fe43e67bcdd9539675997">William Lacy Clay</a>&nbsp;in St. Louis.

Frownfelter, a 69-year-old small business owner, first won his House seat in 2006. Five of his seven previous House races were uncontested, and he had never faced a contested primary.

Reeves said many Democrats didn’t see Coleman as a serious candidate but that Coleman effectively marketed himself to voters who “took him at face value.”

Armstrong acknowledged that Frownfelter’s campaign ”didn’t push” information about Coleman’s past behavior.

“If you weren’t on Facebook, you had no idea about it,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597491942776.png" alt="Aaron Coleman" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Coleman</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old Kansas House candidate who admitted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ac948dae17c3dbc36ffe62246925c4f3">circulating revenge porn</a>&nbsp;and abusing young girls online narrowly won his primary race this month with an appeal to young, liberal voters in a safe Democratic district after having run for local office just a year earlier.Aaron Coleman’s 14-vote victory shows how social media and door-to-door campaigning can rouse voters and overcome an incumbent’s fundraising advantage in a district that hasn’t seen a contested primary in years. It also demonstrates how a platform that includes defunding the police, providing universal health coverage, eliminating college tuition and legalizing marijuana resonates with many Democratic voters.“You talk to him for two minutes, and you’re like, ‘Ah, yeah, this kid’s good. This kid’s got energy. He’s progressive,’” said Faith Rivera, a liberal Kansas City, Kansas, community activist who called Coleman “a monster” over his behavior toward women and girls.Coleman’s Aug. 4 victory over seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter in Kansas City, Kansas, put the Kansas Democratic Party in an unwanted national spotlight. The party disowned Coleman when a former girlfriend this past week said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d6ea4066903abd8ef70d60bebe6c8a3c">he was abusive</a>&nbsp;to her, slapping and choking her in a late-December attack. Democrats are backing a fall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f48e9e7b7f82aa29c0dae0fd62cc9d6d">write-in campaign</a>&nbsp;by Frownfelter and talking of trying to block Coleman from being seated if he wins the Nov. 3 general election. No Republican is on the ballot.Coleman, a community college student and dishwasher, did not return telephone, email or Facebook messages this past week. He recently&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron4KS37/status/1298357644311355392" target="_blank">tweeted&nbsp;</a>that voters “nominated me, regardless of my sins.” In a June 17 Facebook post admitting that allegations of revenge porn, blackmail and harassing middle-school girls were true, he said he had been “a sick and troubled 14-year-old boy.” He has not publicly addressed the more recent allegations.State Sen. David Haley, a fellow Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat, said Coleman is “no flash in the pan.”Coleman ran as an independent write-in candidate for governor in 2018, one of several teenagers who leveraged the state’s lack of a minimum age for the office into media attention.He also ran last year for a $900-a-month seat on the part-time local board that sets rates and the budget for water and electric services, in a primary against Frownfelter and two others, finishing last. Frownfelter placed first but lost in November after the field narrowed to two.Frownfelter told voters last year that he planned&nbsp;<a href="http://wyandottedaily.com/seven-candidates-run-for-bpu-districts-1-and-3/" target="_blank">to retire</a>&nbsp;from the House, saying, “It’s time for me to leave.” Coleman quoted that statement in this year’s campaign.Haley said the utilities board district is similar to the Kansas House district and Coleman stayed engaged to build a broader base.“He’s savvy,” Haley said. “He knows how to do door-to-door and how to do social media.”Haley also said Coleman represents “the future” and Democrats are sending a bad message to young voters by disowning him.“If voters speak, and that’s the majority, we have to honor that,” Haley said.Since Coleman’s 823-to-809 vote victory over Frownfelter, the incumbent and his allies have faced suggestions that, like many incumbents in long-safe districts, he didn’t work hard.Frownfelter and campaign manager Brandie Armstrong said he knocked on enough doors to win. Frownfelter spent almost $15,000 on his campaign from January through late July, while Coleman spent about $2,200, according to their finance reports.The incumbent said he believes older constituents who backed him didn’t vote, expecting that his victory was “in the bag.”“I had an uneasy feeling out there,” Frownfelter said. “When I walked to the door: ‘Oh, we liked the kid. He had energy and that, but we know he’s not going to win.’”But Chris Reeves, a Democratic National Committee member for Kansas, suggested the Kansas City area has “a lot of untapped voters.” He said when election outcomes seem set voter participation can wane over time. He compared Frownfelter’s loss to that of veteran Democratic U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/36ae43993c0fe43e67bcdd9539675997">William Lacy Clay</a>&nbsp;in St. Louis.Frownfelter, a 69-year-old small business owner, first won his House seat in 2006. Five of his seven previous House races were uncontested, and he had never faced a contested primary.Reeves said many Democrats didn’t see Coleman as a serious candidate but that Coleman effectively marketed himself to voters who “took him at face value.”Armstrong acknowledged that Frownfelter’s campaign ”didn’t push” information about Coleman’s past behavior.“If you weren’t on Facebook, you had no idea about it,” she said.___

Kan. candidate admitting abuse has liberal message, base

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court has reversed a Topeka real estate developer's conviction for threatening another man, saying a law used to convict him criminalizes free speech.

The court based its decision on its October ruling that struck down a provision of the criminal threat law that made it a crime to speak with reckless disregard for whether one's comments would cause fear. The court found that the law could make some protesters’ comments illegal, violating free speech guarantees.

A Shawnee County District Court jury in 2016 had convicted Kent Lindemuth of making a criminal threat to Michael Matthews, the owner of an Oklahoma trucking company.

In 2014, Matthews told police Lindemuth threatened to kill him over the phone multiple times as he attempted from Oklahoma to retrieve a trailer cab Lindemuth had towed.

The Shawnee County jury convicted Lindemuth of one count of criminal threat for allegedly threatening Matthews before he left Oklahoma. Lindemuth appealed the case to the Kansas Court of Appeals, which in 2018 reversed the trial court's ruling, saying it had failed to instruct jurors. The Supreme Court agreed that the conviction should be reversed, but not because of the jury instruction.

The court on Friday said Lindemuth “simply spoke in the heat of argument and the result of unthinking rage” and, therefore, did not make an “intentional threat.”

The Shawnee County District Attorney’s office can try Lindemuth again or dismiss charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598909143453.png" alt="Kent Lindemuth photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Kent Lindemuth photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court has reversed a Topeka real estate developer's conviction for threatening another man, saying a law used to convict him criminalizes free speech.The court based its decision on its October ruling that struck down a provision of the criminal threat law that made it a crime to speak with reckless disregard for whether one's comments would cause fear. The court found that the law could make some protesters’ comments illegal, violating free speech guarantees.A Shawnee County District Court jury in 2016 had convicted Kent Lindemuth of making a criminal threat to Michael Matthews, the owner of an Oklahoma trucking company.In 2014, Matthews told police Lindemuth threatened to kill him over the phone multiple times as he attempted from Oklahoma to retrieve a trailer cab Lindemuth had towed.The Shawnee County jury convicted Lindemuth of one count of criminal threat for allegedly threatening Matthews before he left Oklahoma. Lindemuth appealed the case to the Kansas Court of Appeals, which in 2018 reversed the trial court's ruling, saying it had failed to instruct jurors. The Supreme Court agreed that the conviction should be reversed, but not because of the jury instruction.The court on Friday said Lindemuth “simply spoke in the heat of argument and the result of unthinking rage” and, therefore, did not make an “intentional threat.”The Shawnee County District Attorney’s office can try Lindemuth again or dismiss charges.

Court reverses Kan. developer's criminal threat conviction

SCOTT COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office made a fifth arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kan.

Just after 2:30 Monday, KBI agents, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and the Scott City Police Department, arrested a 15-year-old boy from Scott City, according to a media release from the KBI.

The teen was arrested for suspected felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He was then transported to an area juvenile facility where he will be held.

On August 27,&nbsp; Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder in connection with the case.

Previously charged in this case were 30-year-old Noah J. E. Farr, of Dighton, 25-year-old Joseph E. Warden, of El Dorado, and a 17-year-old teen from El Dorado, who was not named as he is a juvenile.

On August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

 When deputies responded, they searched the residence and discovered 78-year-old Danny Shue deceased inside. Shue was pronounced dead at the scene.

No further arrests are expected in this case.

BUTLER COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office have made an additional arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release.

Just before 10a.m. Thursday, Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He is currently being held at the Butler County Jail.

Assisting the KBI and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office in this arrest were the El Dorado Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and K-9 handlers from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

Just after 10 p.m. August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598026621001.png" alt="KBI on the scene of the investigation August 20 -photo courtesy Eureka Herald" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene of the investigation August 20 -photo courtesy Eureka Herald</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office made a fifth arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kan.Just after 2:30 Monday, KBI agents, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and the Scott City Police Department, arrested a 15-year-old boy from Scott City, according to a media release from the KBI.The teen was arrested for suspected felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He was then transported to an area juvenile facility where he will be held.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598638528314.png" alt="Lindsay" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 27,&nbsp; Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder in connection with the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598477662600.png" alt="Farr-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Farr-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Previously charged in this case were 30-year-old Noah J. E. Farr, of Dighton, 25-year-old Joseph E. Warden, of El Dorado, and a 17-year-old teen from El Dorado, who was not named as he is a juvenile.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639981075.png" alt="Warden" />
 <figcaption>Warden</figcaption>
 </figure>On August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI. When deputies responded, they searched the residence and discovered 78-year-old Danny Shue deceased inside. Shue was pronounced dead at the scene.No further arrests are expected in this case.----------BUTLER COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office have made an additional arrest connected to the murder of 78-year-old Danny Shue of Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598638528314.png" alt="Lindsay-photo Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Lindsay-photo Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10a.m. Thursday, Leon A. Lindsay, 34, of El Dorado, was arrested at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office for felony murder, aggravated burglary, felony theft, and conspiracy to commit felony theft. He is currently being held at the Butler County Jail.Assisting the KBI and the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office in this arrest were the El Dorado Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and K-9 handlers from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598477662600.png" alt="Farr-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Farr-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Previously charged in this case were 30-year-old Noah J. E. Farr, of Dighton, 25-year-old Joseph E. Warden, of El Dorado, and a 17-year-old teen from El Dorado, who was not named as he is a juvenile.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639981075.png" alt="Warden photo Greenwood County" />
 <figcaption>Warden photo Greenwood County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10 p.m. August 19, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office responded to do a welfare check at a home at 1607 Quincy Street in Eureka, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI. When deputies responded, they searched the residence and discovered 78-year-old Danny Shue deceased inside. Shue was pronounced dead at the scene.

KBI: 15-year-old is 5th suspect jailed in Kan. murder case

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly held a news conference Monday to discuss the increase in coronavirus in the state.

She also announced the Kansas Department for Children and Families has additional benefit in September for those receiving child care assistance to support families as they adapt to delayed school openings across the state.

&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,564 to a total of 42,612 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 446, an increase of 3.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our state, and many families and child care providers are in need of additional resources,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As parents and kids adjust to virtual, remote, and hybrid learning environments, DCF is providing the support Kansas families need right now.”

“We know a large number of districts have moved the beginning of the school year to September,”&nbsp;DCF Secretary Laura Howard said.&nbsp;“This means many families are needing child care during a time when their kids would normally be in school.”

DCF is supplementing September child care plans to equal the benefit issued in August. In a typical year, the benefit would be reduced in September to account for children being in school. Those families eligible for the extra benefit include those with existing child care plans with DCF that have school-aged children. Additionally, families who apply by September 30, 2020 also will receive these additional September benefits, prorated based on the date of application.

DCF also is expanding eligibility criteria for its Hero Relief Program. The program expands DCF’s child care assistance subsidies for families by making them available to essential workers who financially qualify. Effective Sept. 1, school personnel will be added to the list of eligible workers.

To qualify, families must have countable gross income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. For an average family of four that equals a monthly income of $5,458.&nbsp;Families will receive the full DCF subsidy amount based on their family size, with no family-share deduction.

“We know teachers and other school personnel are dealing with difficult situations involving the care of their own children,”&nbsp;Howard said.&nbsp;“By expanding the Hero Relief Program, we hope to relieve some of the financial burden many of these families now face.”

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly held a news conference Monday to discuss the increase in coronavirus in the state.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F356732891998559%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>She also announced the Kansas Department for Children and Families has additional benefit in September for those receiving child care assistance to support families as they adapt to delayed school openings across the state.&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,564 to a total of 42,612 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 446, an increase of 3.“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our state, and many families and child care providers are in need of additional resources,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As parents and kids adjust to virtual, remote, and hybrid learning environments, DCF is providing the support Kansas families need right now.”“We know a large number of districts have moved the beginning of the school year to September,”&nbsp;DCF Secretary Laura Howard said.&nbsp;“This means many families are needing child care during a time when their kids would normally be in school.”DCF is supplementing September child care plans to equal the benefit issued in August. In a typical year, the benefit would be reduced in September to account for children being in school. Those families eligible for the extra benefit include those with existing child care plans with DCF that have school-aged children. Additionally, families who apply by September 30, 2020 also will receive these additional September benefits, prorated based on the date of application.DCF also is expanding eligibility criteria for its Hero Relief Program. The program expands DCF’s child care assistance subsidies for families by making them available to essential workers who financially qualify. Effective Sept. 1, school personnel will be added to the list of eligible workers.The expansion will include:<ul>
 <li>Educators and select other school personnel including teachers, para-professionals and their substitutes</li><li>Workers providing bus or other transportation services, food services, and custodial services for public and private schools, including those employed by contractors</li><li>Workers providing other essential services within public and private schools may be determined eligible with the approval of regional administrators&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>To qualify, families must have countable gross income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. For an average family of four that equals a monthly income of $5,458.&nbsp;Families will receive the full DCF subsidy amount based on their family size, with no family-share deduction.“We know teachers and other school personnel are dealing with difficult situations involving the care of their own children,”&nbsp;Howard said.&nbsp;“By expanding the Hero Relief Program, we hope to relieve some of the financial burden many of these families now face.”

🎥 Gov.: Additional child care benefit, Hero Relief Program expanded

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Two former soccer club executives are hoping to help fund a planned $330 million redevelopment of the shuttered Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kansas, with sales tax funds.

Robb Heineman, Sporting KC’s former CEO, and Greg Cotton, its former chief operating officer and chief counsel, have proposed building a multisport complex on the site, which was sold in June last year.

Unified Government of Wyandotte County-Kansas City officials say the redevelopment would “remove (the) blight and political stigma” that has tainted the park since 2016&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6e76d9f5d6cd4b64bf7833e554c5323d#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20A%20Kansas%20waterslide,an%20executive%20with%20involuntary%20manslaughter">when a 10-year-old boy was decapitated</a>&nbsp;while on a ride billed as the world’s tallest waterslide.

Heineman and Cotton were pitching their plans Monday to the economic development committee of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County-Kansas City.

The developers are seeking $130 million in Kansas STAR bonds — originally designed to fund attractions that bring in tourists — to boost the project. STAR bonds are among the most powerful incentives available to developers.

The new complex would include indoor and outdoor amenities, retail, office and entertainment space with soccer, football, baseball and lacrosse fields, as well as water sports such as paddleboarding, dragon boat racing and kayaking.

Tom Burroughs, who chairs the Economic Development and Finance Standing Committee, indicated that he thought it was a suitable redevelopment plan.

“Having that sports mecca there, it just plays right in with the development we have in western Wyandotte County,” Burroughs said. “I like to call it leisure-tainment.”

Katherine Carttar, the local economic development director, said the county has no plans to offer property tax abatements, and that developers won’t receive a penny in incentives until they build the first phase of the project in Wyandotte County.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Two former soccer club executives are hoping to help fund a planned $330 million redevelopment of the shuttered Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kansas, with sales tax funds.Robb Heineman, Sporting KC’s former CEO, and Greg Cotton, its former chief operating officer and chief counsel, have proposed building a multisport complex on the site, which was sold in June last year.Unified Government of Wyandotte County-Kansas City officials say the redevelopment would “remove (the) blight and political stigma” that has tainted the park since 2016&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6e76d9f5d6cd4b64bf7833e554c5323d#:~:text=(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20A%20Kansas%20waterslide,an%20executive%20with%20involuntary%20manslaughter">when a 10-year-old boy was decapitated</a>&nbsp;while on a ride billed as the world’s tallest waterslide.Heineman and Cotton were pitching their plans Monday to the economic development committee of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County-Kansas City.The developers are seeking $130 million in Kansas STAR bonds — originally designed to fund attractions that bring in tourists — to boost the project. STAR bonds are among the most powerful incentives available to developers.The new complex would include indoor and outdoor amenities, retail, office and entertainment space with soccer, football, baseball and lacrosse fields, as well as water sports such as paddleboarding, dragon boat racing and kayaking.Tom Burroughs, who chairs the Economic Development and Finance Standing Committee, indicated that he thought it was a suitable redevelopment plan.“Having that sports mecca there, it just plays right in with the development we have in western Wyandotte County,” Burroughs said. “I like to call it leisure-tainment.”Katherine Carttar, the local economic development director, said the county has no plans to offer property tax abatements, and that developers won’t receive a penny in incentives until they build the first phase of the project in Wyandotte County.

$330M development planned on Schlitterbahn water park site

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-08-31/the-coronavirus-killed-so-many-jobs-that-as-many-as-350-000-plus-kansans-are-at-risk-of-eviction">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — As many as 40 million Americans – including 357,000 Kansans – face the risk of eviction in the next several months.

An
 enhanced federal unemployment benefit of $600 a week that expired at 
the end of July helped people who lost jobs because of the COVID-19 
pandemic cover basic living expenses, like rent and mortgage payments.

But <a href="https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/the-covid-19-eviction-crisis-an-estimated-30-40-million-people-in-america-are-at-risk/" target="_blank">a recent report from the Aspen Institute</a>
 says that because Congress hasn’t extended those larger jobless checks,
 the country could soon see an unprecedented wave of evictions and 
foreclosures.

“America is facing an urgent and unprecedented eviction crisis,” the Aspen Institute researchers concluded.

Hundreds
 of thousands of Kansans could be at risk, said Donna Ginther, an 
economist with the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the 
University of Kansas.

“We need to understand that this (the pandemic) is a natural disaster,” Ginther said.

In<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/covid19/images/Ginther_CoronaVirus12.pdf" target="_blank"> a recent report</a>, Ginther said the lapse of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Assistance —<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares" target="_blank"> or CARES Act</a> — is “compounding a crisis that is already terrible.”

“The
 federal government is playing with fire right now,” she said. “If those
 benefits aren’t restored, you’re going to see a lot of hardship and 
deprivation.”

Sheena Mooney, of Topeka, has already experienced 
it. She lost her janitorial job in March, fell behind on her rent and 
last week was evicted from her house.

“It’s my home,” Mooney said as friends helped her pack up her belongings. “It’s so hard, you have no idea.”

Mooney applied for unemployment but was told she didn’t qualify. So, 
her eviction wasn’t triggered by the loss of federal benefits.

It 
was approved by the Shawnee County District Court between the May 26 
expiration of Gov. Laura Kelly’s initial order barring evictions and 
mortgage foreclosures and Aug. 17, when her new order took effect.

With
 Congress stalled on a new coronavirus relief package, Kelly announced 
last week that the state would apply to participate in a stop-gap Trump 
administration program to boost unemployment benefits by $400 a week.

In
 a statement, Kelly said using federal disaster relief funds to 
temporarily increase benefits to jobless Kansas is “far from a perfect 
solution.” But she said the program “is the only available option for 
additional federal assistance at this time.”

In recent testimony 
to a legislative committee monitoring the economic impact of the 
pandemic, Kansas Secretary of Labor Ryan Wright said he was reluctant to
 participate in the program because it would take “several weeks” to 
reprogram the agency’s decades-old-computer system to process the 
payments. Plus, he said, the $44 billion earmarked for the program isn’t
 expected to last long.

“What we’ve been told … is that we should only plan on three weeks of dedicated funding,” Wright said.

More than 415,000 Kansans have filed for unemployment since mid-March.

New
 claims, said Ginther, the KU economist, “remain stubbornly high,” 
particularly among low- to moderate-income Kansans making under $20 per 
hour.

The number of Kansans filing initial claims is on the rise, 
going from 11,092 on Aug. 1, to 21,175 on Aug. 22, the end of the last 
reporting period. Initial and continued claims combined total 87,546.

Social
 service agencies are bracing for a surge in demand if more relief isn’t
 available soon, said Tawny Stottlemire, director of <a href="http://www.wefightpoverty.org/" target="_blank">Community Action Topeka,</a> an anti-poverty organization that helps low-income Kansans with child care and basic living expenses.

“We’re going to see it just get worse and worse unless Congress acts,” Stottlemire said. “We’re going to see more homelessness.”

Teresa
 Baker helps people avoid financial calamities like foreclosure, 
eviction and bankruptcy as a counselor at Topeka’s Housing and Credit 
Counseling, Inc. She’s been anticipating a sharp increase in people 
seeking assistance since pandemic-related business closures threw tens 
of thousands of Kansans out of work in mid-March.

It hasn’t 
happened yet, she said, because the enhanced unemployment benefits have 
allowed people to scrape by. But she said a housing crisis looks 
inevitable if Washington doesn’t extend the benefits.

“It’s going to happen,” Baker said.

People
 fearing eviction, Baker said, should contact their landlord and attempt
 to work out a partial payment plan. If that’s not possible, agree to 
vacate their home or apartment before they’re evicted.

“We don’t 
want to see people legally evicted,” Baker said, because that puts a 
negative mark on their credit record “that’s going to make it harder for
 them to rent in the future.”

Kelly’s moratorium on evictions and 
foreclosures remains in effect until Sept. 15. She can’t extend it 
beyond that date unless the Kansas Legislature renews her emergency 
powers.

“No Kansan should be kicked out of their home during the pandemic,” Kelly said when announcing the order. “That’s just wrong.”

Vince Munoz, an organizer for the Rent Zero Kansas coalition, argues in<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/20/how-lawmakers-can-give-155000-kansans-housing-security-cancel-rent/" target="_blank"> an opinion piece in The Kansas Reflector</a>
 that state or federal lawmakers need to cancel rent and mortgage 
payments all together until a vaccine capable of ending the pandemic is 
widely available.

To protect landlords and lenders, Munoz wrote, 
taxpayers could “offset real losses associated with cancelling and 
suspending payments.”

Steve Vogel, the head of the Shawnee County 
Landlords Association, said the governor’s temporary moratorium is 
warranted. But he said cancelling or suspending rent payments for the 
duration of the pandemic would financially cripple scores of small 
businesses across the state.

“Most of the landlords that I know 
of, especially if they have very many properties, have acquired those 
properties with borrowed money,” Vogel said. “They have mortgages to 
pay.”

Vogel owns 13 rental properties in the Topeka area. He says 
landlords are generally willing to work with tenants to avoid evictions,
 which he says are “a last resort.”

“No landlord that I know or have ever met wants to do an eviction,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to go through that.”

Kelly has said her administration is also looking for ways to help landlords.

Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598893700394.png" alt="Sheena Mooney moving after being evicted from her Topeka rental home. Jim McLean / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Sheena Mooney moving after being evicted from her Topeka rental home. Jim McLean / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-08-31/the-coronavirus-killed-so-many-jobs-that-as-many-as-350-000-plus-kansans-are-at-risk-of-eviction">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — As many as 40 million Americans – including 357,000 Kansans – face the risk of eviction in the next several months.An
 enhanced federal unemployment benefit of $600 a week that expired at 
the end of July helped people who lost jobs because of the COVID-19 
pandemic cover basic living expenses, like rent and mortgage payments.But <a href="https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/the-covid-19-eviction-crisis-an-estimated-30-40-million-people-in-america-are-at-risk/" target="_blank">a recent report from the Aspen Institute</a>
 says that because Congress hasn’t extended those larger jobless checks,
 the country could soon see an unprecedented wave of evictions and 
foreclosures.“America is facing an urgent and unprecedented eviction crisis,” the Aspen Institute researchers concluded.Hundreds
 of thousands of Kansans could be at risk, said Donna Ginther, an 
economist with the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the 
University of Kansas.“We need to understand that this (the pandemic) is a natural disaster,” Ginther said.In<a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/covid19/images/Ginther_CoronaVirus12.pdf" target="_blank"> a recent report</a>, Ginther said the lapse of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Assistance —<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares" target="_blank"> or CARES Act</a> — is “compounding a crisis that is already terrible.”“The
 federal government is playing with fire right now,” she said. “If those
 benefits aren’t restored, you’re going to see a lot of hardship and 
deprivation.”Sheena Mooney, of Topeka, has already experienced 
it. She lost her janitorial job in March, fell behind on her rent and 
last week was evicted from her house.“It’s my home,” Mooney said as friends helped her pack up her belongings. “It’s so hard, you have no idea.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598893768107.png" alt="Sheena Mooney, lost her job at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March, reacting to being evicted from her Topeka rental home. " />
 <figcaption>Sheena Mooney, lost her job at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March, reacting to being evicted from her Topeka rental home. </figcaption>
 </figure>Mooney applied for unemployment but was told she didn’t qualify. So, 
her eviction wasn’t triggered by the loss of federal benefits.It 
was approved by the Shawnee County District Court between the May 26 
expiration of Gov. Laura Kelly’s initial order barring evictions and 
mortgage foreclosures and Aug. 17, when her new order took effect.<h2>Stop-gap measures</h2>With
 Congress stalled on a new coronavirus relief package, Kelly announced 
last week that the state would apply to participate in a stop-gap Trump 
administration program to boost unemployment benefits by $400 a week.In
 a statement, Kelly said using federal disaster relief funds to 
temporarily increase benefits to jobless Kansas is “far from a perfect 
solution.” But she said the program “is the only available option for 
additional federal assistance at this time.”In recent testimony 
to a legislative committee monitoring the economic impact of the 
pandemic, Kansas Secretary of Labor Ryan Wright said he was reluctant to
 participate in the program because it would take “several weeks” to 
reprogram the agency’s decades-old-computer system to process the 
payments. Plus, he said, the $44 billion earmarked for the program isn’t
 expected to last long.“What we’ve been told … is that we should only plan on three weeks of dedicated funding,” Wright said.More than 415,000 Kansans have filed for unemployment since mid-March.New
 claims, said Ginther, the KU economist, “remain stubbornly high,” 
particularly among low- to moderate-income Kansans making under $20 per 
hour.The number of Kansans filing initial claims is on the rise, 
going from 11,092 on Aug. 1, to 21,175 on Aug. 22, the end of the last 
reporting period. Initial and continued claims combined total 87,546.<h2>Bracing for the 'inevitable'</h2>Social
 service agencies are bracing for a surge in demand if more relief isn’t
 available soon, said Tawny Stottlemire, director of <a href="http://www.wefightpoverty.org/" target="_blank">Community Action Topeka,</a> an anti-poverty organization that helps low-income Kansans with child care and basic living expenses.“We’re going to see it just get worse and worse unless Congress acts,” Stottlemire said. “We’re going to see more homelessness.”Teresa
 Baker helps people avoid financial calamities like foreclosure, 
eviction and bankruptcy as a counselor at Topeka’s Housing and Credit 
Counseling, Inc. She’s been anticipating a sharp increase in people 
seeking assistance since pandemic-related business closures threw tens 
of thousands of Kansans out of work in mid-March.It hasn’t 
happened yet, she said, because the enhanced unemployment benefits have 
allowed people to scrape by. But she said a housing crisis looks 
inevitable if Washington doesn’t extend the benefits.“It’s going to happen,” Baker said.People
 fearing eviction, Baker said, should contact their landlord and attempt
 to work out a partial payment plan. If that’s not possible, agree to 
vacate their home or apartment before they’re evicted.“We don’t 
want to see people legally evicted,” Baker said, because that puts a 
negative mark on their credit record “that’s going to make it harder for
 them to rent in the future.”Kelly’s moratorium on evictions and 
foreclosures remains in effect until Sept. 15. She can’t extend it 
beyond that date unless the Kansas Legislature renews her emergency 
powers.“No Kansan should be kicked out of their home during the pandemic,” Kelly said when announcing the order. “That’s just wrong.”Vince Munoz, an organizer for the Rent Zero Kansas coalition, argues in<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/20/how-lawmakers-can-give-155000-kansans-housing-security-cancel-rent/" target="_blank"> an opinion piece in The Kansas Reflector</a>
 that state or federal lawmakers need to cancel rent and mortgage 
payments all together until a vaccine capable of ending the pandemic is 
widely available.To protect landlords and lenders, Munoz wrote, 
taxpayers could “offset real losses associated with cancelling and 
suspending payments.”Steve Vogel, the head of the Shawnee County 
Landlords Association, said the governor’s temporary moratorium is 
warranted. But he said cancelling or suspending rent payments for the 
duration of the pandemic would financially cripple scores of small 
businesses across the state.“Most of the landlords that I know 
of, especially if they have very many properties, have acquired those 
properties with borrowed money,” Vogel said. “They have mortgages to 
pay.”Vogel owns 13 rental properties in the Topeka area. He says 
landlords are generally willing to work with tenants to avoid evictions,
 which he says are “a last resort.”“No landlord that I know or have ever met wants to do an eviction,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to go through that.”Kelly has said her administration is also looking for ways to help landlords.Jim
 McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.

350,000-plus Kansans at risk of eviction in virus-plagued economy

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend crash and fire.

Just before 11:30 p.m., Saturday, deputies were dispatched to an injury accident on K-96 and 215th&nbsp;Street West, according to Lt. Tim Myers.

At the scene, deputies found a grey Mazda 6 and a grey Honda Accord on fire.

A Maize Police Officer and a deputy attempted to extinguish the vehicle fires and extricate the drivers.&nbsp; Unfortunately, their efforts were not successful.&nbsp; Both drivers of the vehicles were pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Myers.

Investigators believe the Mazda was driving west in the eastbound lanes of K-96.&nbsp; Myers did not release the victim's names on Monday morning.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend crash and fire.Just before 11:30 p.m., Saturday, deputies were dispatched to an injury accident on K-96 and 215th&nbsp;Street West, according to Lt. Tim Myers.At the scene, deputies found a grey Mazda 6 and a grey Honda Accord on fire.A Maize Police Officer and a deputy attempted to extinguish the vehicle fires and extricate the drivers.&nbsp; Unfortunately, their efforts were not successful.&nbsp; Both drivers of the vehicles were pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Myers.Investigators believe the Mazda was driving west in the eastbound lanes of K-96.&nbsp; Myers did not release the victim's names on Monday morning.

Sheriff: 2 dead after Kansas wrong-way crash and fire

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,564 to a total of 42,612 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,564 to a total of 42,612 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 446, an increase of 3.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598893394751.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-08-31 at 12.01.54 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-08-31 at 12.01.54 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after alleged altercation in Salina and a subsequent pursuit into Saline County on Saturday.

Just after 4:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of East Iron Avenue in Salina where a 56-year-old Salina man and a 30-year-old Salina woman reported an altercation with Evan Howie, 33, of Solomon, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The man was struck numerous times with a branch and a brick and the woman was struck with the brick when it was thrown at her, causing her to drop her cellphone. 

The woman told police that Howie then took her cell phone that was valued at $50. The man had a $10 pair of sunglasses broken during the altercation, he added. Howie allegedly also struck the man's 2006 Ford 500 when he was leaving, causing approximately $500 damage, according to Forrester.

Officers were advised the suspect left in a white or gray Buick. An officer located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 200 block of South Kansas Avenue. 

The vehicle continued north on Kansas Avenue and ultimately east on Old Highway 40. At that point, the pursuit was turned over to Saline County Sheriff's deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol. 

KHP was able to conduct a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) on the car in the 3000 block of North Whitmore Road, ending the pursuit, according to Forrester.

Howie was arrested on requested charges of aggravated battery, Theft, Damage to property, Flee and elude in the commission of a felony and Multiple traffic offenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598282715073.jpeg" alt="Howie photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Howie photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after alleged altercation in Salina and a subsequent pursuit into Saline County on Saturday.Just after 4:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of East Iron Avenue in Salina where a 56-year-old Salina man and a 30-year-old Salina woman reported an altercation with Evan Howie, 33, of Solomon, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The man was struck numerous times with a branch and a brick and the woman was struck with the brick when it was thrown at her, causing her to drop her cellphone. The woman told police that Howie then took her cell phone that was valued at $50. The man had a $10 pair of sunglasses broken during the altercation, he added. Howie allegedly also struck the man's 2006 Ford 500 when he was leaving, causing approximately $500 damage, according to Forrester.Officers were advised the suspect left in a white or gray Buick. An officer located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 200 block of South Kansas Avenue. The vehicle continued north on Kansas Avenue and ultimately east on Old Highway 40. At that point, the pursuit was turned over to Saline County Sheriff's deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol. KHP was able to conduct a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) on the car in the 3000 block of North Whitmore Road, ending the pursuit, according to Forrester.Howie was arrested on requested charges of aggravated battery, Theft, Damage to property, Flee and elude in the commission of a felony and Multiple traffic offenses.

State trooper uses TVI to end pursuit of theft, battery suspect 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities searching for an inmate who walked away from an exam at Olathe Medical Center Monday reported just after 11a.m. they had him in custody, according to a social media report from&nbsp; the Johnson County Sheriff's Department.

Elijah Naves, 27, was last seen at 4:30 a.m. Monday. He was in custody on aggravated robbery charges.&nbsp;

Deputies released no additional details late Monday morning.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are attempting to locate an inmate who escaped from Olathe Medical Center.

Elijah Naves, 27, was last seen at 4:30 a.m. Monday and was wearing a green hospital gown with blue and white stripped jail issued pants, according to a media release from the Johnson County Sheriff's department.

Naves was in custody on aggravated robbery charges. His last direction of travel was south of the Medical Center at 20333 West 151st in Olathe.

Authorities reminded the public, if you see him, do not contact Neves but call the sheriff's office at 913-782-0720 or call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598876667094.png" alt="Naves' facial hair has been trimmed and cleaned up since this photo was taken, according to police." />
 <figcaption>Naves' facial hair has been trimmed and cleaned up since this photo was taken, according to police.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities searching for an inmate who walked away from an exam at Olathe Medical Center Monday reported just after 11a.m. they had him in custody, according to a social media report from&nbsp; the Johnson County Sheriff's Department.Elijah Naves, 27, was last seen at 4:30 a.m. Monday. He was in custody on aggravated robbery charges.&nbsp;Deputies released no additional details late Monday morning.---------JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are attempting to locate an inmate who escaped from Olathe Medical Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598886555334.png" alt="Suspect is believed to be driving this pickup" />
 <figcaption>Suspect is believed to be driving this pickup</figcaption>
 </figure>Elijah Naves, 27, was last seen at 4:30 a.m. Monday and was wearing a green hospital gown with blue and white stripped jail issued pants, according to a media release from the Johnson County Sheriff's department.Naves was in custody on aggravated robbery charges. His last direction of travel was south of the Medical Center at 20333 West 151st in Olathe.Authorities reminded the public, if you see him, do not contact Neves but call the sheriff's office at 913-782-0720 or call 911.

Update: Suspect in custody after escape from Kan. hospital

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly weekend crash and have identified the man who died as&nbsp;94-year-old Ralph Hunt of Wichita.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at West 17th&nbsp;Street and North West Street in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, officers located Hunt, who was unresponsive.&nbsp; Fire and EMS personnel attempted life-saving measures on Hunt, but he was pronounced dead on the scene.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that a red Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 22-year-old male and a tan Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 17-year-old male were both southbound on North West Street.&nbsp;

 The two trucks collided with a westbound Lincoln Town Car driven by Hunt.&nbsp; The 17-year-old driver received non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; A 15-year-old male passenger in the Town Car received serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Speed is believed to have been a factor on the part of the two pick-up drivers, according to Wheeler.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598886375186.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal weekend crash -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal weekend crash -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly weekend crash and have identified the man who died as&nbsp;94-year-old Ralph Hunt of Wichita.At approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at West 17th&nbsp;Street and North West Street in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located Hunt, who was unresponsive.&nbsp; Fire and EMS personnel attempted life-saving measures on Hunt, but he was pronounced dead on the scene.&nbsp;The investigation revealed that a red Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 22-year-old male and a tan Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 17-year-old male were both southbound on North West Street.&nbsp; The two trucks collided with a westbound Lincoln Town Car driven by Hunt.&nbsp; The 17-year-old driver received non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; A 15-year-old male passenger in the Town Car received serious but non-life-threatening injuries.Speed is believed to have been a factor on the part of the two pick-up drivers, according to Wheeler.

Police ID 94-year-old Kan. man who died in 3-vehicle crash

By AJ DOME <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/29/kansas-seeing-historically-low-number-of-tornadoes-in-2020/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Tornadoes and their 
warnings have been few and far between in Kansas for the majority of 
2020, and in one corner of the state a record is poised to be broken if 
the trend continues through the end of the year.

The National Weather 
Service office in Dodge City has recorded only six tornadoes across its 
27-county forecast area — well below the annual average of 28. Last year
 saw 29 tornadoes touch down across those counties.

“Going back to 1991, the 
lowest tornado count for our warning area was seven,” said Mike 
Umscheid, storm chaser and meteorologist for the Dodge City office. “If 
we don’t have any more tornadoes this year, we will break that 30-year 
record for lowest number of tornadoes.”

Statewide, the average 
number of tornadoes reported each year is 96, according to the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Umscheid said the most active 
tornado season his office has recorded was in 2008, when 81 twisters 
touched down across its warning area.

“It’s interesting how you can go from one extreme to another in the matter of a decade,” Umscheid said.

The most recent and 
notable tornado event in southwest Kansas occurred on July 1, when a 
twister touched down in northern Seward County. The only reported damage
 was to an irrigation sprinkler, and the tornado was later classified as
 an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale with wind speeds in the 80-90 mph 
range.

The amount of tornado 
warnings issued in Kansas is significantly lower this year, as well. 
Through Aug. 25, the NWS office in Wichita has issued only two tornado 
warnings for the counties it serves, on April 28 and June 21. Chance 
Hayes, the warning coordination meteorologist for NWS Wichita, said his 
office has averaged nearly 25 tornado warnings each year over the past 
decade.

“When you look at the 
seven offices which serve the state of Kansas, all seven average 218 
tornado warnings a year in a period over the last 10 years,” Hayes said.
 “Right now, we are right around 57 for the year across the state, or 
about 25% of average.”

Tornadoes and other severe
 weather events are the products of supercell thunderstorms — huge 
rotating assemblies of cloud that require a clash of warm, moist air 
from the Gulf of Mexico, cool dry air from the Arctic, and plenty of 
low-level wind shear courtesy the jet stream. Bill Bunting, the chief of
 forecast operations for the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., 
said at least one of those key ingredients has been missing this year.

“The combination of 
factors that we look for, for favorable tornado situations, just didn’t 
occur very often,” Bunting said. “We actually had a good chunk of May 
and June with winds aloft from the north and west, which stabilized the 
lower atmosphere.”

Hayes said some 
meteorologists at the NWS Wichita office have been investigating those 
winds as the culprit behind the limited tornado season.

“One of the things they 
pointed to was airflow in middle and upper levels of the atmosphere is 
more from a northerly direction, which can lead to more convection and 
storms in the late night and overnight hours,” Hayes said. “This leads 
to heavy rains and flooding, hailstorms, and straight-line winds. It 
means the possibility for tornadoes is much less.”

Umscheid said the Gulf of Mexico’s sea surface temperature anomalies have been higher, so moisture has not been the problem.

“It’s all in the jet 
stream patterns,” Umscheid said. “It’s just a matter of getting those 
low-level winds to crank that wind shear over a large enough area.”

Umscheid, along with other
 atmospheric scientists, said climate change may partially explain the 
jet stream buckling more frequently.

“Anecdotally, there seems 
to be a subtle shift towards jet stream patterns which tend toward a 
more blocking nature,” Umscheid said. “I think a lot of that shift can 
be contributed to a warming of high arctic latitudes.”

Bunting said there have been studies which have looked at the degree to which a warming world would affect tornadic activity.

“The answer right now is 
inconclusive,” Bunting said. “You have basically a conflicting trend in 
two of the key parameters for tornado occurrence – instability and warm 
moist air. It really makes it difficult to reach a firm conclusion on 
the impact of climate change on tornado occurrence.”

Mary Knapp, state 
climatologist at Kansas State University, said atmospheric scientists 
are watching the development of a La Nina pattern in the Pacific Ocean. 
This phenomenon occurs when strong winds push warm water at the ocean’s 
surface from South America to near Indonesia, helping colder water rise 
from deeper levels to the surface of the Pacific. Knapp said this kind 
of pattern tends to favor hotter and dryer conditions in autumn months.

According to Hayes, there have been 108 tornadoes reported since 1950 over the months of September through December.

“We do have kind of a secondary season for severe weather,” Hayes said. “It’s part of that transition from summer to fall.”

Knapp said she hasn’t heard much complaining about the lack of tornadoes for 2020.

From a storm chasing 
perspective, Umscheid said, there have been fewer weather enthusiasts on
 the roads because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is still a need 
for ground confirmation of severe weather activity.

“If there have not been 
tornadoes for a couple years, you can kind of ‘set it and forget it’ and
 fall into this trap of false safety,” Umscheid said. “I don’t think 
it’ll be a huge problem, because once we have another tornado outbreak 
in Kansas — which will happen — it will snap people back to being 
prepared.”

AJ Dome is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster from southwest Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598881230210.png" alt="On Aug. 14, 2020, a landspout tornado developed along the Kansas-Colorado border near the small town of Towner, Colorado. Unusual weather patterns this year have produced historically low numbers of tornadoes across Kansas. (Mike Umscheid)" />
 <figcaption>On Aug. 14, 2020, a landspout tornado developed along the Kansas-Colorado border near the small town of Towner, Colorado. Unusual weather patterns this year have produced historically low numbers of tornadoes across Kansas. (Mike Umscheid)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AJ DOME <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/29/kansas-seeing-historically-low-number-of-tornadoes-in-2020/">Kansas Reflector</a>Tornadoes and their 
warnings have been few and far between in Kansas for the majority of 
2020, and in one corner of the state a record is poised to be broken if 
the trend continues through the end of the year.The National Weather 
Service office in Dodge City has recorded only six tornadoes across its 
27-county forecast area — well below the annual average of 28. Last year
 saw 29 tornadoes touch down across those counties.“Going back to 1991, the 
lowest tornado count for our warning area was seven,” said Mike 
Umscheid, storm chaser and meteorologist for the Dodge City office. “If 
we don’t have any more tornadoes this year, we will break that 30-year 
record for lowest number of tornadoes.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598881278565.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Statewide, the average 
number of tornadoes reported each year is 96, according to the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Umscheid said the most active 
tornado season his office has recorded was in 2008, when 81 twisters 
touched down across its warning area.“It’s interesting how you can go from one extreme to another in the matter of a decade,” Umscheid said.The most recent and 
notable tornado event in southwest Kansas occurred on July 1, when a 
twister touched down in northern Seward County. The only reported damage
 was to an irrigation sprinkler, and the tornado was later classified as
 an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale with wind speeds in the 80-90 mph 
range.The amount of tornado 
warnings issued in Kansas is significantly lower this year, as well. 
Through Aug. 25, the NWS office in Wichita has issued only two tornado 
warnings for the counties it serves, on April 28 and June 21. Chance 
Hayes, the warning coordination meteorologist for NWS Wichita, said his 
office has averaged nearly 25 tornado warnings each year over the past 
decade.“When you look at the 
seven offices which serve the state of Kansas, all seven average 218 
tornado warnings a year in a period over the last 10 years,” Hayes said.
 “Right now, we are right around 57 for the year across the state, or 
about 25% of average.”Tornadoes and other severe
 weather events are the products of supercell thunderstorms — huge 
rotating assemblies of cloud that require a clash of warm, moist air 
from the Gulf of Mexico, cool dry air from the Arctic, and plenty of 
low-level wind shear courtesy the jet stream. Bill Bunting, the chief of
 forecast operations for the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., 
said at least one of those key ingredients has been missing this year.“The combination of 
factors that we look for, for favorable tornado situations, just didn’t 
occur very often,” Bunting said. “We actually had a good chunk of May 
and June with winds aloft from the north and west, which stabilized the 
lower atmosphere.”Hayes said some 
meteorologists at the NWS Wichita office have been investigating those 
winds as the culprit behind the limited tornado season.“One of the things they 
pointed to was airflow in middle and upper levels of the atmosphere is 
more from a northerly direction, which can lead to more convection and 
storms in the late night and overnight hours,” Hayes said. “This leads 
to heavy rains and flooding, hailstorms, and straight-line winds. It 
means the possibility for tornadoes is much less.”Umscheid said the Gulf of Mexico’s sea surface temperature anomalies have been higher, so moisture has not been the problem.“It’s all in the jet 
stream patterns,” Umscheid said. “It’s just a matter of getting those 
low-level winds to crank that wind shear over a large enough area.”Umscheid, along with other
 atmospheric scientists, said climate change may partially explain the 
jet stream buckling more frequently.“Anecdotally, there seems 
to be a subtle shift towards jet stream patterns which tend toward a 
more blocking nature,” Umscheid said. “I think a lot of that shift can 
be contributed to a warming of high arctic latitudes.”Bunting said there have been studies which have looked at the degree to which a warming world would affect tornadic activity.“The answer right now is 
inconclusive,” Bunting said. “You have basically a conflicting trend in 
two of the key parameters for tornado occurrence – instability and warm 
moist air. It really makes it difficult to reach a firm conclusion on 
the impact of climate change on tornado occurrence.”Mary Knapp, state 
climatologist at Kansas State University, said atmospheric scientists 
are watching the development of a La Nina pattern in the Pacific Ocean. 
This phenomenon occurs when strong winds push warm water at the ocean’s 
surface from South America to near Indonesia, helping colder water rise 
from deeper levels to the surface of the Pacific. Knapp said this kind 
of pattern tends to favor hotter and dryer conditions in autumn months.According to Hayes, there have been 108 tornadoes reported since 1950 over the months of September through December.“We do have kind of a secondary season for severe weather,” Hayes said. “It’s part of that transition from summer to fall.”Knapp said she hasn’t heard much complaining about the lack of tornadoes for 2020.From a storm chasing 
perspective, Umscheid said, there have been fewer weather enthusiasts on
 the roads because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is still a need 
for ground confirmation of severe weather activity.“If there have not been 
tornadoes for a couple years, you can kind of ‘set it and forget it’ and
 fall into this trap of false safety,” Umscheid said. “I don’t think 
it’ll be a huge problem, because once we have another tornado outbreak 
in Kansas — which will happen — it will snap people back to being 
prepared.”AJ Dome is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster from southwest Kansas.&nbsp;

Kan. seeing historically low number of tornadoes in 2020

Child development specialist says kids need to play, interact with peers&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – While many parents may be feeling relieved after months of schooling their children, the re-opening of schools – even if on a limited basis – is likely to be even more uplifting for the kids.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579118089206.jpeg" alt="Kansas News Service file photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas News Service file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Child development specialist says kids need to play, interact with peers&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – While many parents may be feeling relieved after months of schooling their children, the re-opening of schools – even if on a limited basis – is likely to be even more uplifting for the kids.&nbsp;Bradford Wiles, a Kansas State University child development specialist, said it’s particularly important that school-age children spend time interacting with their peers.&nbsp;“That is a huge element of what you’re learning in those early years,” he said. “We think about what we learn early on and so often it is said that play is the work of early childhood. That’s exactly what children need: they need to be able to play and interact. It makes a huge difference in their development.”&nbsp;The ongoing health threat of the COVID-19 pandemic may not make it possible for youth to be back to school full time, but every little bit helps, according to Wiles.&nbsp;“I think that’s really a good reason why the hybrid model (of schooling) has been implemented,” said Wiles, referring to a decision by many schools to provide part-time instruction in person and part-time remote learning. “The hybrid model allows for the things that young children really need.”&nbsp;For their part, parents can help their children adjust to hybrid or other learning by them understand the new routines.&nbsp;“Routines are critical for everything that we do,” Wiles said. “Routines are critical for young children because it’s how they reduce anxiety, knowing what to expect. That is gigantic in a young child’s mind.&nbsp;“Right now,” he adds, “young children don’t know what to expect. They don’t know what learning is going to look like and the don’t know what their days are going to look like. The best thing I can say for parents and primary caregivers is that regardless of whether you are doing a remote learning model, a homeschooling model or a hybrid model, the best thing you can do for your children is to establish and maintain routines. That will help them in all the domains of learning because it gives them an idea of what to expect.”&nbsp;Wiles said parents are also their child’s best teacher for some important life lessons.&nbsp;“Nobody who is living through this pandemic will ever forget this period of time,” he said. “The thing that I want parents to understand is that they are also modeling how to handle adversity at this time, and they are modeling what good relationships look like.”&nbsp;“In my own home, things get tense and things are hard. How do you handle that? How do you work through that? How do you talk to your children, spouse or other people in the household? Those are important elements.”&nbsp;Wiles noted that parents should not beat themselves up when things don’t go as hoped.&nbsp;“We are going to make mistakes; everyone does,” he said. “But we should remind ourselves that this is a very difficult time for all of us and our children are looking up to us. Whether you think they are paying attention to you or not, I promise you they are paying attention.&nbsp;“You, as a parent, are their model for how things go. Recognizing that and doing your very best to model how to handle adversity is the best advice I can give any parent.”&nbsp;Wiles manages a laboratory in K-State’s College of Health and Human Sciences, called Applied Research in Child Health and Enhancing Resilience (ARCHER). For more information on child development, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/ahs/extension/child-development">lab’s website</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Parents need to take care of themselves, too&nbsp;</h2>Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles said that parents need to remember to take care of themselves even while helping their children through changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;“What I really want parents to recognize is that it’s a challenge and they need to be able to take care of themselves and forgive themselves for things they can’t control or stay on top of,” Wiles said.&nbsp;For the last five months, parents have played varying roles of teacher, in-class support staff and maybe even technical support specialist.&nbsp;“Essentially, we just pile on these different roles and responsibilities and no one person can handle all those things,” Wiles said. “It’s just not healthy. There’s a reason we sent kids to school before the pandemic and part of that is that it’s really burdensome for adults to be tied to their homes during the day.”&nbsp;