KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City say a teenager riding a bike has died after being run over by a mail truck.

The incident happened Wednesday morning as the 15-year-old boy was riding his bicycle and emerged from an alleyway several blocks northwest of Blue Valley Park.

The teen came out of the alley as a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was traveling westbound on East 20th Street, police said.

Investigators believe the teen lost control of the bike and fell into the path of the mail truck. The teen was taken to a hospital, where he died. Police have not yet released the teen’s name.

Police continue to investigate the fatality.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City say a teenager riding a bike has died after being run over by a mail truck.The incident happened Wednesday morning as the 15-year-old boy was riding his bicycle and emerged from an alleyway several blocks northwest of Blue Valley Park.The teen came out of the alley as a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was traveling westbound on East 20th Street, police said.Investigators believe the teen lost control of the bike and fell into the path of the mail truck. The teen was taken to a hospital, where he died. Police have not yet released the teen’s name.Police continue to investigate the fatality.

Teen on bicycle run over by mail truck in Kansas City has died

By<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-07-02/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-mask-mandate-in-kansas"> Kansas News Service</a>

Virtually everyone in Kansas is under an order to wear masks when they’re in public starting Friday.

Yet the executive order, officially issued by Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday, comes with exceptions.

You can take off a mask to eat at a restaurant, but you’ll need to be seated at least six feet away from other tables. Children 5 or younger don’t need to wear masks. Neither do adults with medical conditions, mental health problems or disabilities that make it problematic. Athletes in training won’t have to wear masks — as long as they maintain that six-foot distance from each other.

But counties can adopt different rules — either more strict or effectively relaxing the mandate from Kelly. Politicians across the state, mostly conservative Republicans, have criticized the Democratic governor, saying the use of masks should be a choice.

Kansas has seen a sharp increase in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. As of Thursday, the state had nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-04-14/updated-regularly-what-kansans-need-to-know-about-the-covid-19-coronavirus" target="_blank">15,000 confirmed cases and 272 deaths</a>.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf">Click here </a>to read the full order

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593725569214.png" alt="Photo by Scott Cannon Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Scott Cannon Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-07-02/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-mask-mandate-in-kansas"> Kansas News Service</a>Virtually everyone in Kansas is under an order to wear masks when they’re in public starting Friday.Yet the executive order, officially issued by Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday, comes with exceptions.You can take off a mask to eat at a restaurant, but you’ll need to be seated at least six feet away from other tables. Children 5 or younger don’t need to wear masks. Neither do adults with medical conditions, mental health problems or disabilities that make it problematic. Athletes in training won’t have to wear masks — as long as they maintain that six-foot distance from each other.But counties can adopt different rules — either more strict or effectively relaxing the mandate from Kelly. Politicians across the state, mostly conservative Republicans, have criticized the Democratic governor, saying the use of masks should be a choice.Kansas has seen a sharp increase in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. As of Thursday, the state had nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-04-14/updated-regularly-what-kansans-need-to-know-about-the-covid-19-coronavirus" target="_blank">15,000 confirmed cases and 272 deaths</a>.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf">Click here </a>to read the full order

What you need to know about the mask mandate in Kansas

WOODSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after an officer involved shooting occurred Thursday afternoon in Neosho Falls, Kansas.

The shooting occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. Thursday near the pavilion at the campgrounds in Neosho Falls. Two deputies from the Woodson County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to question subjects regarding a nearby vehicle that was reported stolen. During questioning, an altercation occurred between the deputies and an armed male subject. Both deputies fired shots that struck the man, who was later identified as 41-year-old Edward G. Bridges, of Chanute. The deputies were not injured during the incident.

EMS responded to the scene and transported Bridges to the Allen County Regional Hospital. He was then flown to the University of Kansas Medical Center. Bridges underwent surgery and is now in stable condition.

The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Woodson County Attorney for review.

WOODSON COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is on the scene of an officer involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon when the Woodson County Sheriff’s Office was at the Neosho Falls campground attempting to question a man&nbsp; while investigating a stolen vehicle, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.

The injured suspect was flown to the hospital with gunshot wounds. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.&nbsp;

Check the post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569531236347.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WOODSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after an officer involved shooting occurred Thursday afternoon in Neosho Falls, Kansas.The shooting occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. Thursday near the pavilion at the campgrounds in Neosho Falls. Two deputies from the Woodson County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to question subjects regarding a nearby vehicle that was reported stolen. During questioning, an altercation occurred between the deputies and an armed male subject. Both deputies fired shots that struck the man, who was later identified as 41-year-old Edward G. Bridges, of Chanute. The deputies were not injured during the incident.EMS responded to the scene and transported Bridges to the Allen County Regional Hospital. He was then flown to the University of Kansas Medical Center. Bridges underwent surgery and is now in stable condition.The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be turned over to the Woodson County Attorney for review.-------------------WOODSON COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is on the scene of an officer involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon when the Woodson County Sheriff’s Office was at the Neosho Falls campground attempting to question a man&nbsp; while investigating a stolen vehicle, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.The injured suspect was flown to the hospital with gunshot wounds. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.&nbsp;Check the post for additional details as they become available.

Update: Suspect airlifted to hospital after Kan. officer-involved shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital with critical injuries.

Just 11:07 a.m. Thursday, officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of SW Boswell in Topeka on multiple calls reporting of shots fired in the area, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Officers located a male victim in back yard of 1419 SW Boswell suffering from a life threatening gunshot wound.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Officers on the scene transported a witness to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593726044434.png" alt="Location of the shooting Thursday morning photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Location of the shooting Thursday morning photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital with critical injuries.Just 11:07 a.m. Thursday, officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of SW Boswell in Topeka on multiple calls reporting of shots fired in the area, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.Officers located a male victim in back yard of 1419 SW Boswell suffering from a life threatening gunshot wound.The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.Officers on the scene transported a witness to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police interview witness after Kan. man critically injured in shooting 

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — A coalition of Kansas lawmakers, religious leaders and racial justice advocates called Thursday for an investigation into a retired white police detective accused of preying on Black women for sex over decades and framing for murder the son of one of them.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6979568-Letter-to-KBI-on-Kansas-detective.html" target="_blank">letter signed by 27 state lawmakers</a>&nbsp;from both parties was sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigations asking them to immediately investigate former detective Roger Golubski and other members of the police force who were involved in the allegations of “sexual abuse of women, malicious actions toward citizens, and framing of individuals for crimes they did not commit.”

The letter contends the allegations show “a pattern of abuse toward poor, minority residents,” and says Golubski has not been held accountable.

Joining the lawmakers in signing the letter are several community partners, including the Kansas Inter Faith Action, Mainstream Coalition, Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, among others.

A KBI spokeswoman said the agency had just recently seen the letter and would comment later.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593723693793.png" alt="Roger Golubski-photo KCK police" />
 <figcaption>Roger Golubski-photo KCK police</figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — A coalition of Kansas lawmakers, religious leaders and racial justice advocates called Thursday for an investigation into a retired white police detective accused of preying on Black women for sex over decades and framing for murder the son of one of them.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6979568-Letter-to-KBI-on-Kansas-detective.html" target="_blank">letter signed by 27 state lawmakers</a>&nbsp;from both parties was sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigations asking them to immediately investigate former detective Roger Golubski and other members of the police force who were involved in the allegations of “sexual abuse of women, malicious actions toward citizens, and framing of individuals for crimes they did not commit.”The letter contends the allegations show “a pattern of abuse toward poor, minority residents,” and says Golubski has not been held accountable.Joining the lawmakers in signing the letter are several community partners, including the Kansas Inter Faith Action, Mainstream Coalition, Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, among others.A KBI spokeswoman said the agency had just recently seen the letter and would comment later.

Kansas legislators seek investigation into former detective

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man was freed from prison Wednesday after a county prosecutor declined to retry his case, punctuating years of work by WNBA star Maya Moore and other supporters who argued he was falsely convicted of burglary and assault charges.

Moore was on hand when Jonathan Irons, 40, walked out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center. She clapped as Irons approached a group of people waiting for his release. She then dropped to her knees at one point before joining a group hug around Irons.

He had been serving a 50-year prison sentence stemming from the non-fatal shooting of a homeowner in the St. Louis area when Irons was 16. But a judge threw out his convictions in March, citing a series of problems with the case, including a fingerprint report that had not been turned over to Irons' defense team, according to The New York Times.

The Missouri attorney general's office unsuccessfully appealed the judge's decision, and the lead prosecutor in St. Charles County decided against a retrial.

Moore and Irons became friends after meeting through prison ministry, according to the Times. The 31-year-old Moore, a Jefferson City, Missouri, native who starred at UConn before helping lead Minnesota to four WNBA titles, put her career on hold last season to help Irons.

Moore said in January she planned to sit out a second season and miss the Tokyo Olympics. After Irons' convictions were thrown out in March, she told the AP her plans hadn't changed.

"'My decision to take another year was bigger than this case," she said at the time. "But obviously this case was in the forefront of my mind. I'm looking forward when this is done to finally getting some rest and time with my family."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593698268754.png" alt="Maya Moore(right) reacts as Jonathan Irons walked out of prison Wednesday -image courtesy KYTV" />
 <figcaption>Maya Moore(right) reacts as Jonathan Irons walked out of prison Wednesday -image courtesy KYTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man was freed from prison Wednesday after a county prosecutor declined to retry his case, punctuating years of work by WNBA star Maya Moore and other supporters who argued he was falsely convicted of burglary and assault charges.Moore was on hand when Jonathan Irons, 40, walked out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center. She clapped as Irons approached a group of people waiting for his release. She then dropped to her knees at one point before joining a group hug around Irons.He had been serving a 50-year prison sentence stemming from the non-fatal shooting of a homeowner in the St. Louis area when Irons was 16. But a judge threw out his convictions in March, citing a series of problems with the case, including a fingerprint report that had not been turned over to Irons' defense team, according to The New York Times.The Missouri attorney general's office unsuccessfully appealed the judge's decision, and the lead prosecutor in St. Charles County decided against a retrial.Moore and Irons became friends after meeting through prison ministry, according to the Times. The 31-year-old Moore, a Jefferson City, Missouri, native who starred at UConn before helping lead Minnesota to four WNBA titles, put her career on hold last season to help Irons.Moore said in January she planned to sit out a second season and miss the Tokyo Olympics. After Irons' convictions were thrown out in March, she told the AP her plans hadn't changed."'My decision to take another year was bigger than this case," she said at the time. "But obviously this case was in the forefront of my mind. I'm looking forward when this is done to finally getting some rest and time with my family."___

Man freed from 50-year prison sentence with help of WNBA star

TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt Thursday provided updated guidance to law enforcement agencies and county prosecutors statewide on the enforcement of emergency orders, following the passage of House Bill 2016 last month and the issuance of Executive Order 20-52 requiring Kansas residents to wear a mask in public spaces.

The guidance, in the form of a memorandum, updates previous guidance provided by the attorney general on March 24, April 8 and May 28. The memo reflects changes to the Kansas Emergency Management Act adopted by the Kansas Legislature on June 4, and signed into law by the governor on June 8. Those amendments included changing the violation of an emergency order issued by the governor from a Class A misdemeanor to a civil violation, which may be enforced by a lawsuit filed by the county or district attorney. As such, law enforcement officers may no longer arrest or detain individuals for violations of an emergency order.

Additionally, Schmidt noted in the memo that under House Bill 2016, individual counties may elect to adopt provisions that are “less stringent” than a governor’s order. If an individual county has done so, then the governor’s emergency order may not be enforced in that county, even by a civil lawsuit.

The new law also authorizes the attorney general to bring enforcement actions.

“The attorney general’s office will defer to the decisions of local county and district attorneys and has no plans to bring our own enforcement actions simply for not wearing a mask,” Schmidt said. “I think the better approach is to leave any enforcement to local authorities who know their communities best and to give Kansans information and encouragement and trust them to make wise decisions. 

So here’s what I encourage: Be safe on this Independence Day weekend, use common sense and caution to keep yourself and others healthy, heed the advice of the CDC and other public health experts, and wear a mask for now whenever you’re in a public setting and cannot maintain a safe distance from other people.”

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/addendum-3-to-march-24-law-enforcement-duties-and-authorities-memo.pdf?sfvrsn=d088af1a_3">Click here</a> to read a copy of the memorandum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt Thursday provided updated guidance to law enforcement agencies and county prosecutors statewide on the enforcement of emergency orders, following the passage of House Bill 2016 last month and the issuance of Executive Order 20-52 requiring Kansas residents to wear a mask in public spaces.The guidance, in the form of a memorandum, updates previous guidance provided by the attorney general on March 24, April 8 and May 28. The memo reflects changes to the Kansas Emergency Management Act adopted by the Kansas Legislature on June 4, and signed into law by the governor on June 8. Those amendments included changing the violation of an emergency order issued by the governor from a Class A misdemeanor to a civil violation, which may be enforced by a lawsuit filed by the county or district attorney. As such, law enforcement officers may no longer arrest or detain individuals for violations of an emergency order.Additionally, Schmidt noted in the memo that under House Bill 2016, individual counties may elect to adopt provisions that are “less stringent” than a governor’s order. If an individual county has done so, then the governor’s emergency order may not be enforced in that county, even by a civil lawsuit.The new law also authorizes the attorney general to bring enforcement actions.“The attorney general’s office will defer to the decisions of local county and district attorneys and has no plans to bring our own enforcement actions simply for not wearing a mask,” Schmidt said. “I think the better approach is to leave any enforcement to local authorities who know their communities best and to give Kansans information and encouragement and trust them to make wise decisions. So here’s what I encourage: Be safe on this Independence Day weekend, use common sense and caution to keep yourself and others healthy, heed the advice of the CDC and other public health experts, and wear a mask for now whenever you’re in a public setting and cannot maintain a safe distance from other people.”<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/addendum-3-to-march-24-law-enforcement-duties-and-authorities-memo.pdf?sfvrsn=d088af1a_3">Click here</a> to read a copy of the memorandum.

Kansas Attorney General: Wear a mask when you can't social distance

TOPEKA&nbsp;–The State of Kansas saw a better-than-predicted close to Fiscal Year 2020. In June, the state’s total tax collections were up by $135.6 million or 22.3% more than estimated with $744.4 million collected, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Compared to the same month last fiscal year, June tax collections were down by 4.8%. For FY 2020, total tax collections were up by $163.7 million or 2.4% more than estimated with collections of $7.0 billion; a 5.7% decrease from last year.

“Kansans have faced many challenges since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak – emotionally, physically, and financially,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While these numbers are encouraging, we must continue to make decisions that will keep our state on sound economic footing as we enter the next fiscal year.”

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic began to be seen in April as the state was entering its fourth quarter. In addition, tax extensions were announced in March which moves money from FY 2020 to the next fiscal year. Approximately 300,000 individual income tax returns are still to be filed and paid by the July 15, 2020 deadline.

Individual income taxes were 13.2% or $41.1 million more than projected with $353.1 million collected. Those numbers are down 9.0% compared to the same month last year. Corporate income tax collections in June were $54.7 million; $33.7 million or 160.4% more than projected. These collections are down 19.4% compared to June of last fiscal year.

Retail sales and compensating use tax collections were both more than projected for the month and more than June of last fiscal year. Retail sales tax collections in June were $203.0 million; 21.5% or $36.0 million more than estimated. That’s an increase of 1.9% over last June. Compensating use taxes were $43.4 million; $10.4 million or 31.6% more than projected and an increase of 6.5% over last June. For FY 2020, retail sales tax collections performed 2.3% higher than expected with $2.4 billion collected; an increase of 0.7% over last fiscal year. Compensating use taxes for the fiscal year also performed 4.1% higher than expected with $479.1 million collected; a 10.9% increase from FY 2019.

TOPEKA&nbsp;–The State of Kansas saw a better-than-predicted close to Fiscal Year 2020. In June, the state’s total tax collections were up by $135.6 million or 22.3% more than estimated with $744.4 million collected, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Revenue.Compared to the same month last fiscal year, June tax collections were down by 4.8%. For FY 2020, total tax collections were up by $163.7 million or 2.4% more than estimated with collections of $7.0 billion; a 5.7% decrease from last year.“Kansans have faced many challenges since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak – emotionally, physically, and financially,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While these numbers are encouraging, we must continue to make decisions that will keep our state on sound economic footing as we enter the next fiscal year.”The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic began to be seen in April as the state was entering its fourth quarter. In addition, tax extensions were announced in March which moves money from FY 2020 to the next fiscal year. Approximately 300,000 individual income tax returns are still to be filed and paid by the July 15, 2020 deadline.Individual income taxes were 13.2% or $41.1 million more than projected with $353.1 million collected. Those numbers are down 9.0% compared to the same month last year. Corporate income tax collections in June were $54.7 million; $33.7 million or 160.4% more than projected. These collections are down 19.4% compared to June of last fiscal year.Retail sales and compensating use tax collections were both more than projected for the month and more than June of last fiscal year. Retail sales tax collections in June were $203.0 million; 21.5% or $36.0 million more than estimated. That’s an increase of 1.9% over last June. Compensating use taxes were $43.4 million; $10.4 million or 31.6% more than projected and an increase of 6.5% over last June. For FY 2020, retail sales tax collections performed 2.3% higher than expected with $2.4 billion collected; an increase of 0.7% over last fiscal year. Compensating use taxes for the fiscal year also performed 4.1% higher than expected with $479.1 million collected; a 10.9% increase from FY 2019.

Kansas has “better-than-predicted” end to the 2020 fiscal year

TOPEKA&nbsp;—&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly signed a new executive order Thursday requiring Kansans to wear masks in public spaces&nbsp;where people cannot maintain a 6-foot distance.&nbsp;The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

Thursday afternoon, the governor and other legislative leaders on the State Finance Council reviewed the order.&nbsp; Kelly chairs the group.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20200702/-1/9601">Click here </a>to listen to a replay of the 95 minute discussion that started at 1p.m.

Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a member of the State Finance Council, has been a vocal critic of how the governor has led the state's response to the&nbsp; pandemic.

Despite the criticism, the finance council has no authority to revoke the governor's mask order.&nbsp; "If they care about keeping the businesses in their district open, they won't fight this one," Kelly said during her&nbsp; news conference on Monday.

Counties can vote not to implement the mandate. Many counties have already said they won't enforce the order.&nbsp;The governor said the attorney general's office will enforce the statewide mandate. Although general Derek Schmidt supports <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020/07/02/ag-derek-schmidt-provides-updated-guidance-to-law-enforcement-and-prosecutors-on-enforcement-of-emergency-orders">wearing a mask.</a>

Kansas has seen an increase in coronavirus cases over the past few weeks. On Wednesday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 547 to a total of 14,990, the state health department reported.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 272.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593513419144.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during her press briefing June 22 -photo by Jim McLean, Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during her press briefing June 22 -photo by Jim McLean, Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;—&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly signed a new executive order Thursday requiring Kansans to wear masks in public spaces&nbsp;where people cannot maintain a 6-foot distance.&nbsp;The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.Thursday afternoon, the governor and other legislative leaders on the State Finance Council reviewed the order.&nbsp; Kelly chairs the group.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20200702/-1/9601">Click here </a>to listen to a replay of the 95 minute discussion that started at 1p.m.Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a member of the State Finance Council, has been a vocal critic of how the governor has led the state's response to the&nbsp; pandemic.Despite the criticism, the finance council has no authority to revoke the governor's mask order.&nbsp; "If they care about keeping the businesses in their district open, they won't fight this one," Kelly said during her&nbsp; news conference on Monday.Counties can vote not to implement the mandate. Many counties have already said they won't enforce the order.&nbsp;The governor said the attorney general's office will enforce the statewide mandate. Although general Derek Schmidt supports <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/media-center/news-releases/2020/07/02/ag-derek-schmidt-provides-updated-guidance-to-law-enforcement-and-prosecutors-on-enforcement-of-emergency-orders">wearing a mask.</a>Kansas has seen an increase in coronavirus cases over the past few weeks. On Wednesday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 547 to a total of 14,990, the state health department reported.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 272.

🎤  State Finance Council debates governor's mask mandate 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Mayor Brandon Whipple confirmed a rumor during his news conference Thursday that Amazon is coming to Wichita.

&nbsp;They will open a distribution center at 4044 N. Toben, near K96 and Webb Road, according to Whipple. They will move into a 140,000 square foot industrial building near Jabara airport. There is no official word on the number of jobs this opportunity will create.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593707198725.png" alt="Location of the new Amazon distribution center in Wichita -Google map" />
 <figcaption>Location of the new Amazon distribution center in Wichita -Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Mayor Brandon Whipple confirmed a rumor during his news conference Thursday that Amazon is coming to Wichita.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcityofwichita%2Fvideos%2F194289261992475%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>&nbsp;They will open a distribution center at 4044 N. Toben, near K96 and Webb Road, according to Whipple. They will move into a 140,000 square foot industrial building near Jabara airport. There is no official word on the number of jobs this opportunity will create.

🎥Mayor: Amazon will open distribution center in Wichita

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has issued an order directing Kansas residents to wear masks in public places and their workplaces.

“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said in a media release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”

Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.

To view EO #20-52,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2F20200702093130003.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd0393e73597e4261404a08d81e973ed2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637292982220415218&amp;sdata=Og56J0QqjqBR87kmMyAv7zXzf%2BIeTqzEtHvyNmlb9pY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

The order Thursday is likely to provoke a backlash from the Republican-controlled Legislature even though enforcement is expected to be lax. Kelly issued the order after the state saw a surge in reported coronavirus cases following her decision to lift statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26. She left the rules to the state’s 105 counties after weeks of complaints from Republican lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly removed her face mask Monday just before beginning a news conference." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly removed her face mask Monday just before beginning a news conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has issued an order directing Kansas residents to wear masks in public places and their workplaces.“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said in a media release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.To view EO #20-52,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2F20200702093130003.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd0393e73597e4261404a08d81e973ed2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637292982220415218&amp;sdata=Og56J0QqjqBR87kmMyAv7zXzf%2BIeTqzEtHvyNmlb9pY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>The order Thursday is likely to provoke a backlash from the Republican-controlled Legislature even though enforcement is expected to be lax. Kelly issued the order after the state saw a surge in reported coronavirus cases following her decision to lift statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26. She left the rules to the state’s 105 counties after weeks of complaints from Republican lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

Governor signs order requiring masks be worn in public, at work

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A 21-year-old Kansas man arrested in connection with a June 18, shooting in Wichita has made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Larry Triplett of Wichita was arrested without incident with the assistance of Kansas Highway Patrol during a vehicle stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Cassoday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. He is charged with aggravated battery, great bodily harm, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, failure to comply and remains jailed on a bond of $750,000, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just before 1a.m. June 18, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a 19-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his body. Officers also found multiple shell casings.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for medical treatment of serious conditions.

The investigation revealed the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains parking lot in Wichita when a disturbance ensued with a suspect identified as Larry Triplett, III of Wichita.

Triplett pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim and a silver Chrysler 200 vehicle belonging to the victim’s friend.&nbsp; Triplett then took property from the victim and fled with the other individuals.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and after asking the public for help with information have made an arrest.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located the 19-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his body. Officers also found multiple shell casings.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for medical treatment. He remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The investigation revealed the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains parking lot in Wichita when a disturbance ensued with a suspect identified as&nbsp;21-year-old Larry Triplett, III of Wichita.

Late Thursday, Triplet was arrested without incident with the assistance of Kansas Highway Patrol during a vehicle stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Cassoday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. He is being held on a bond of $750,000 on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and failure to comply, according to online jail records.

If any community members have video or photos of this incident, they can upload them at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://wichitapd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/20c038118" target="_blank">https://wichitapd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/20c038118</a>

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help with information.&nbsp;

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 Block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the scene, officers located a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his body. EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment.

During the investigation, police determined the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains when a disturbance occurred with a male suspect, according to Davidson.&nbsp;

The suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots which struck the victim and also a vehicle owned by the victim's friend.

The victim also reported the suspect took property from him and then fled with other individuals who were in the area.&nbsp; During the investigation, police also recovered multiple shell casings.

Authorities do not believe this is a random incident, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593188114068.png" alt="Triplett photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Triplett photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A 21-year-old Kansas man arrested in connection with a June 18, shooting in Wichita has made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.Larry Triplett of Wichita was arrested without incident with the assistance of Kansas Highway Patrol during a vehicle stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Cassoday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. He is charged with aggravated battery, great bodily harm, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, failure to comply and remains jailed on a bond of $750,000, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just before 1a.m. June 18, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a 19-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his body. Officers also found multiple shell casings.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for medical treatment of serious conditions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593103931771.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains parking lot in Wichita when a disturbance ensued with a suspect identified as Larry Triplett, III of Wichita.Triplett pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim and a silver Chrysler 200 vehicle belonging to the victim’s friend.&nbsp; Triplett then took property from the victim and fled with the other individuals.----SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and after asking the public for help with information have made an arrest.Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located the 19-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his body. Officers also found multiple shell casings.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for medical treatment. He remains hospitalized in serious condition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593103931771.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains parking lot in Wichita when a disturbance ensued with a suspect identified as&nbsp;21-year-old Larry Triplett, III of Wichita.Triplett pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim and a silver Chrysler 200 vehicle belonging to the victim’s friend.&nbsp; Triplett then took property from the victim and fled with the other individuals.Late Thursday, Triplet was arrested without incident with the assistance of Kansas Highway Patrol during a vehicle stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Cassoday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. He is being held on a bond of $750,000 on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and failure to comply, according to online jail records.If any community members have video or photos of this incident, they can upload them at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://wichitapd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/20c038118" target="_blank">https://wichitapd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/20c038118</a>------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help with information.&nbsp;Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 Block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.At the scene, officers located a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his body. EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment.During the investigation, police determined the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains when a disturbance occurred with a male suspect, according to Davidson.&nbsp;The suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots which struck the victim and also a vehicle owned by the victim's friend.The victim also reported the suspect took property from him and then fled with other individuals who were in the area.&nbsp; During the investigation, police also recovered multiple shell casings.Authorities do not believe this is a random incident, according to Davidson.

Suspect charged in shooting, robbery near Wichita attraction

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses slammed by the coronavirus, speeding the measure to President Donald Trump.

Approval by voice vote without debate came after Democrats pushed the legislation through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states led to renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.

The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the program to Aug. 8. Lawmakers created the program in March and have modified it twice since, adding money on one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of the funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives.

About $130 billion of $660 billion approved for the program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent, though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.

Sponsors of the program, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Small Business Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., want to re-purpose the money in a way that’s more targeted for businesses suffering during the upswing in cases.

It was part of an almost $3 trillion federal response to a menacing virus that has slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.

The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans have been a lifeline to almost 5 million firms, but business owners are looking for more flexibility and aid that helps them survive over the long haul.

Congressional action came as lawmakers were set to exit Washington for more than two weeks. Upon their return, talks were expected to begin on a fifth coronavirus relief measure.

The House has already passed a $3.5 trillion measure that’s a dead letter in the Senate, but the spike in cases may mean less resistance among Senate Republicans to a new measure. The next COVID rescue effort was likely to focus on aid to state and local governments, an extension of unemployment insurance benefits, and another round of direct payments to individuals.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats drove a temporary extension of a popular subsidy program for small businesses through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday, an unexpected development that came as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states are causing renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.

The move by Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin came hours before a deadline for applying for the program, which was created in March and modified twice since. Cardin, the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, asked for unanimous approval of the extension of the Paycheck Protection Program through Aug. 8.

Minority lawmakers are hardly ever successful in such attempts, but the pressure swayed Republicans controlling the Senate, who have delayed consideration of a fifth coronavirus relief bill and are preparing to go home for a two-week recess.

About $130 billion remains of $660 billion approved so far for the subsidy program, which provides direct subsidies to businesses harmed by the coronavirus pandemic, which slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.

The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans been a lifeline to more than 4 million businesses.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York took a victory lap after the unexpectedly successful maneuver, saying renewed economic troubles are reviving interest in the program.

“There are large numbers of businesses who are going to need to apply now. Had this program run out today, they would have been out of luck,” Schumer said. “Now with this renewal, short time, August 8, they at least get the chance to reapply.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588075781384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses slammed by the coronavirus, speeding the measure to President Donald Trump.Approval by voice vote without debate came after Democrats pushed the legislation through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states led to renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.Trump was expected to sign the measure.The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the program to Aug. 8. Lawmakers created the program in March and have modified it twice since, adding money on one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of the funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives.About $130 billion of $660 billion approved for the program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent, though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593545192155.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin testified Tuesday before a House Committee on Financial Services on oversight of the Treasury Department&nbsp; pandemic response.&nbsp; Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin testified Tuesday before a House Committee on Financial Services on oversight of the Treasury Department&nbsp; pandemic response.&nbsp; Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Sponsors of the program, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Small Business Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., want to re-purpose the money in a way that’s more targeted for businesses suffering during the upswing in cases.It was part of an almost $3 trillion federal response to a menacing virus that has slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans have been a lifeline to almost 5 million firms, but business owners are looking for more flexibility and aid that helps them survive over the long haul.Congressional action came as lawmakers were set to exit Washington for more than two weeks. Upon their return, talks were expected to begin on a fifth coronavirus relief measure.The House has already passed a $3.5 trillion measure that’s a dead letter in the Senate, but the spike in cases may mean less resistance among Senate Republicans to a new measure. The next COVID rescue effort was likely to focus on aid to state and local governments, an extension of unemployment insurance benefits, and another round of direct payments to individuals.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats drove a temporary extension of a popular subsidy program for small businesses through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday, an unexpected development that came as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states are causing renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.The move by Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin came hours before a deadline for applying for the program, which was created in March and modified twice since. Cardin, the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, asked for unanimous approval of the extension of the Paycheck Protection Program through Aug. 8.Minority lawmakers are hardly ever successful in such attempts, but the pressure swayed Republicans controlling the Senate, who have delayed consideration of a fifth coronavirus relief bill and are preparing to go home for a two-week recess.About $130 billion remains of $660 billion approved so far for the subsidy program, which provides direct subsidies to businesses harmed by the coronavirus pandemic, which slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans been a lifeline to more than 4 million businesses.Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York took a victory lap after the unexpectedly successful maneuver, saying renewed economic troubles are reviving interest in the program.“There are large numbers of businesses who are going to need to apply now. Had this program run out today, they would have been out of luck,” Schumer said. “Now with this renewal, short time, August 8, they at least get the chance to reapply.”

Congress extends relief program for COVID-slammed businesses

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official predicted Wednesday that the state will face steeper increases in coronavirus cases and suggested that it blew its chance for a summer respite from the pandemic by reopening its economy too quickly.

Dr. Lee Norman, the top administrator at the state Department of Health and Environment, blamed a recent surge in new confirmed cases on gatherings over the long Memorial Day weekend and the May 26 lifting of statewide restrictions on businesses and gatherings. He said Kansas remains struck in its first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it,” Norman said after a Statehouse news conference during which he described Kansas as being “in the middle of a bad convergence.”

Norman’s comments came a day before Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who appointed him, was to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">an executive order requiring people to wear masks</a>&nbsp;in public. The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">could be toothless</a>&nbsp;in much of the state because a law enacted last month allows counties to opt out and a mask requirement might not be enforced even if counties don’t do that.

Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area and Douglas County in northeastern Kansas, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks. The health officer in Douglas County also ordered bars there closed for two weeks, starting Friday, after reported COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the last two weeks, from 85 to 188 as of Wednesday.

Kansas has had 14,990 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started, including 547 new ones since Monday for a 3.8% increase in two days. There were also two new COVID-19 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s overall tally to 272.

One new case involved an employee of the Kansas Legislature who tested positive along with his father and stepmother. Tom Day, director of legislative administrative services, said the employee has been working from home for a week and, “There has been very little contact with anyone else” in the Statehouse.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">Kelly lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 5,653 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which amounted to a 61% increase, and 84 deaths, for a 45% jump.

The Democratic governor’s action left the rules for businesses and gatherings to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was reopening the economy too slowly.

“We are seeing a significant increase in clusters related to gatherings where masks are not being worn, bars in particular,” Norman said. “I’m worried about what we’re going to see happening over July Fourth.”

Norman said he’s also worried that Kansas will see another spike in cases this fall because the State Fair is still set to take place in Hutchinson despite the pandemic. The fair board voted Tuesday to hold the event Sept. 11-20.

Patrons will be required to wear masks at indoor commercial and competitive exhibit spaces and will be encouraged to wear them elsewhere. But crowds won’t be limited.

Norman called the decision to proceed with the event against his recommendation “disappointing.”

Fair General Manager Robin Jennison said its safety plan will be fine-tuned as needed.

“It’s a tremendous boost for the economy of the area,”&nbsp; “A lot of us feel at some point we need to get back on with our lives.”

The novel coronavirus’ spread slowed in Kansas from mid-May until mid-June, but it has since had a resurgence.

The number of new cases a day for the two-week period ending Wednesday was 236, which was the state’s highest figure since the two weeks that ended May 15. The figure dipped to 95 for the two weeks that ended June 14.

Sixteen counties have seen reported cases more than double during the past two weeks, and another six counties that had none as of June 17 have had at least one, including Thomas County in northwest Kansas, which now has 15.

<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">Riley County</a>&nbsp;has seen its reported cases more than double, to 219 from 88 two weeks ago, something local officials attribute mainly to cases among people 18 to 24 who’ve frequented the Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.

Neighboring Geary County also has seen its reported cases more than double, to 70 from 30 two weeks ago, and adjacent Pottawatomie County has seen an 85% jump, from 40 to 74.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593684498845.png" alt="During his Wednesday news conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said,&nbsp; "We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it."" />
 <figcaption>During his Wednesday news conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said,&nbsp; "We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it."</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official predicted Wednesday that the state will face steeper increases in coronavirus cases and suggested that it blew its chance for a summer respite from the pandemic by reopening its economy too quickly.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F574144539956381%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>Dr. Lee Norman, the top administrator at the state Department of Health and Environment, blamed a recent surge in new confirmed cases on gatherings over the long Memorial Day weekend and the May 26 lifting of statewide restrictions on businesses and gatherings. He said Kansas remains struck in its first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.“We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it,” Norman said after a Statehouse news conference during which he described Kansas as being “in the middle of a bad convergence.”Norman’s comments came a day before Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who appointed him, was to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">an executive order requiring people to wear masks</a>&nbsp;in public. The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">could be toothless</a>&nbsp;in much of the state because a law enacted last month allows counties to opt out and a mask requirement might not be enforced even if counties don’t do that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593622993638.png" alt="July 1, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 1, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area and Douglas County in northeastern Kansas, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks. The health officer in Douglas County also ordered bars there closed for two weeks, starting Friday, after reported COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the last two weeks, from 85 to 188 as of Wednesday.Kansas has had 14,990 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started, including 547 new ones since Monday for a 3.8% increase in two days. There were also two new COVID-19 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s overall tally to 272.One new case involved an employee of the Kansas Legislature who tested positive along with his father and stepmother. Tom Day, director of legislative administrative services, said the employee has been working from home for a week and, “There has been very little contact with anyone else” in the Statehouse.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">Kelly lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 5,653 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which amounted to a 61% increase, and 84 deaths, for a 45% jump.The Democratic governor’s action left the rules for businesses and gatherings to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was reopening the economy too slowly.“We are seeing a significant increase in clusters related to gatherings where masks are not being worn, bars in particular,” Norman said. “I’m worried about what we’re going to see happening over July Fourth.”Norman said he’s also worried that Kansas will see another spike in cases this fall because the State Fair is still set to take place in Hutchinson despite the pandemic. The fair board voted Tuesday to hold the event Sept. 11-20.Patrons will be required to wear masks at indoor commercial and competitive exhibit spaces and will be encouraged to wear them elsewhere. But crowds won’t be limited.Norman called the decision to proceed with the event against his recommendation “disappointing.”Fair General Manager Robin Jennison said its safety plan will be fine-tuned as needed.“It’s a tremendous boost for the economy of the area,”&nbsp; “A lot of us feel at some point we need to get back on with our lives.”The novel coronavirus’ spread slowed in Kansas from mid-May until mid-June, but it has since had a resurgence.The number of new cases a day for the two-week period ending Wednesday was 236, which was the state’s highest figure since the two weeks that ended May 15. The figure dipped to 95 for the two weeks that ended June 14.Sixteen counties have seen reported cases more than double during the past two weeks, and another six counties that had none as of June 17 have had at least one, including Thomas County in northwest Kansas, which now has 15.<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">Riley County</a>&nbsp;has seen its reported cases more than double, to 219 from 88 two weeks ago, something local officials attribute mainly to cases among people 18 to 24 who’ve frequented the Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.Neighboring Geary County also has seen its reported cases more than double, to 70 from 30 two weeks ago, and adjacent Pottawatomie County has seen an 85% jump, from 40 to 74.___

🎥  Dr. Lee Norman: Kansas blew chance for coronavirus respite

SEWARD COUNTY—A tornado moved across northern Seward County just before 8p.m. Wednesday, according the National Weather Service.

 Areas north of Kismet were in the path of the tornado that briefly touched down.

The area received heavy rain but there were no reports of damage or injury early Thursday, according to law enforcement authorities in Seward County.

SEWARD COUNTY—A tornado moved across northern Seward County just before 8p.m. Wednesday, according the National Weather Service. Areas north of Kismet were in the path of the tornado that briefly touched down.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> possible <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tornado?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tornado</a> definite <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/funnelcloud?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#funnelcloud</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KSNStormTrack3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KSNStormTrack3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ReedTimmerAccu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReedTimmerAccu</a> <a href="https://t.co/uLOe82rh6Z">pic.twitter.com/uLOe82rh6Z</a>&mdash; Troy Mayhew (@TroyMayhew) <a href="https://twitter.com/TroyMayhew/status/1278489537652686855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The area received heavy rain but there were no reports of damage or injury early Thursday, according to law enforcement authorities in Seward County.

Tornado rolls across portions of southwest Kansas 

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for a 2018 shooting outside a Kansas elementary school that killed one man and left another paralyzed.

Anthony Grable, 34, of Kansas City, Missouri, will not be eligible for parole for 50 years.

He pleaded guilty last year to first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and burglary.

In July 2018, Grable was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c59a04d4095b4f7087eb010bac7ffd9e">installing playground equipment&nbsp;</a>at Sunrise Point Elementary in Overland Park when a fight over tools escalated into a crime spree. Grable fatally shot Todd Eugene Davis and critically injured Efren Joaquin Gomez.

There were no children at the school at the time.

Grable then unsuccessfully tried to carjack someone at a car wash, then stole an SUV from a man a few blocks away. Police said he drove to the carjacking victim’s house, where he was taken into custody after a standoff.

In an unsuccessful defense motion that sought a lesser sentence, his attorney said Grable was experiencing a mental health crisis on the day of the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593685570792.png" alt="Grable photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Grable photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for a 2018 shooting outside a Kansas elementary school that killed one man and left another paralyzed.Anthony Grable, 34, of Kansas City, Missouri, will not be eligible for parole for 50 years.He pleaded guilty last year to first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and burglary.In July 2018, Grable was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c59a04d4095b4f7087eb010bac7ffd9e">installing playground equipment&nbsp;</a>at Sunrise Point Elementary in Overland Park when a fight over tools escalated into a crime spree. Grable fatally shot Todd Eugene Davis and critically injured Efren Joaquin Gomez.There were no children at the school at the time.Grable then unsuccessfully tried to carjack someone at a car wash, then stole an SUV from a man a few blocks away. Police said he drove to the carjacking victim’s house, where he was taken into custody after a standoff.In an unsuccessful defense motion that sought a lesser sentence, his attorney said Grable was experiencing a mental health crisis on the day of the shooting.

Man sentenced for fatal shooting at Kansas school playground

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp;an internal theft that included guns, drugs and $145,000 in cash at the Sedgwick County Property and Evidence storage site have made a second arrest.

On Wednesday, Marc Gordon, the former Property and Evidence Technician, was booked in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on a warrant for Felony Official Misconduct and 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, according to sheriff's Lt. Tim Myers.

On June 26, Robert White, the former Property and Evidence Supervisor, was booked in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility for Distribution of Cocaine, Felony Official Misconduct, 2 counts of Felony Theft, 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, and 10 counts of Possession with Intent, according to Myers.

On January 24, an administrative investigation was initiated on a Gordon for not following proper procedures and policy violations. He was then suspended from work on February 3.

On February 5, White, the Property and Evidence Supervisor was reassigned to another function of the Sheriff’s Office. On February 26, the investigation turned from an administrative investigation to a criminal investigation. As of February 27, both of White and&nbsp; are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office.

While conducting an internal audit, evidence was found to be missing and it was discovered that items set for destruction were missing. The time line stretches of effected cases goes back several years.&nbsp;

Since February 26, sheriff's department investigators have been trying to identify any and all evidence that has been stolen and auditing evidence that is still in our possession. During this same time frame the criminal investigation has been progressing. Over 50,000 pieces of evidence are stored in Property and Evidence. Currently, we know that approximately $145,000 in money, drugs, seven guns, and power tools were stolen. One of the stolen guns has been recovered.

Authorities do not anticipate any other arrests in connection to the investigation at Property and Evidence, according to Myers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593632950182.png" alt="Gordon photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gordon photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp;an internal theft that included guns, drugs and $145,000 in cash at the Sedgwick County Property and Evidence storage site have made a second arrest.On Wednesday, Marc Gordon, the former Property and Evidence Technician, was booked in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on a warrant for Felony Official Misconduct and 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, according to sheriff's Lt. Tim Myers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593361566910.png" alt="White" />
 <figcaption>White</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 26, Robert White, the former Property and Evidence Supervisor, was booked in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility for Distribution of Cocaine, Felony Official Misconduct, 2 counts of Felony Theft, 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, and 10 counts of Possession with Intent, according to Myers.On January 24, an administrative investigation was initiated on a Gordon for not following proper procedures and policy violations. He was then suspended from work on February 3.On February 5, White, the Property and Evidence Supervisor was reassigned to another function of the Sheriff’s Office. On February 26, the investigation turned from an administrative investigation to a criminal investigation. As of February 27, both of White and&nbsp; are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office.While conducting an internal audit, evidence was found to be missing and it was discovered that items set for destruction were missing. The time line stretches of effected cases goes back several years.&nbsp;Since February 26, sheriff's department investigators have been trying to identify any and all evidence that has been stolen and auditing evidence that is still in our possession. During this same time frame the criminal investigation has been progressing. Over 50,000 pieces of evidence are stored in Property and Evidence. Currently, we know that approximately $145,000 in money, drugs, seven guns, and power tools were stolen. One of the stolen guns has been recovered.Authorities do not anticipate any other arrests in connection to the investigation at Property and Evidence, according to Myers.

2nd Kan. jail employee accused of theft from property, evidence site

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — An Overland Park police officer who fatally shot a 17-year-old who was backing out of the family’s garage received $70,000 as part of a severance package when he agreed to resign, city officials said.

Former officer Clayton Jenison killed John Albers in January 2018 after responding to the family’s home when Albers’ friends reporting he was making suicidal comments. Police said Albers backed the minivan out of the family’s garage toward Jenison, who yelled at him to stop and then fired 13 times.

Albers parents were not home at the time.

The Johnson County District Attorney later ruled the shooting was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e1f2fd04bf44b068f51897677880dfc">justified</a>&nbsp;because Jenison feared for his life.

In a statement Tuesday, the city of Overland Park said the compensation package and severance payment given to Jenison in exchange for his resignation were in the best interest of the community, WDAF-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/overland-park-officer-who-shot-17-year-old-received-70000-payout-to-resign/" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Albers’ family settled a wrongful death&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/af71e84e02ea41b8af098e2dee11ec4f">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the city for $2.3 million. His mother, Sheila Albers, said Tuesday she was “disgusted” by the Jenison’s payout.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593636325995.png" alt="John Albers photo courtesy&nbsp; McGilley Memorial Chapel" />
 <figcaption>John Albers photo courtesy&nbsp; McGilley Memorial Chapel</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — An Overland Park police officer who fatally shot a 17-year-old who was backing out of the family’s garage received $70,000 as part of a severance package when he agreed to resign, city officials said.Former officer Clayton Jenison killed John Albers in January 2018 after responding to the family’s home when Albers’ friends reporting he was making suicidal comments. Police said Albers backed the minivan out of the family’s garage toward Jenison, who yelled at him to stop and then fired 13 times.Albers parents were not home at the time.The Johnson County District Attorney later ruled the shooting was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e1f2fd04bf44b068f51897677880dfc">justified</a>&nbsp;because Jenison feared for his life.In a statement Tuesday, the city of Overland Park said the compensation package and severance payment given to Jenison in exchange for his resignation were in the best interest of the community, WDAF-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/overland-park-officer-who-shot-17-year-old-received-70000-payout-to-resign/" target="_blank">reported.</a>Albers’ family settled a wrongful death&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/af71e84e02ea41b8af098e2dee11ec4f">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the city for $2.3 million. His mother, Sheila Albers, said Tuesday she was “disgusted” by the Jenison’s payout.

Kansas officer who fatally shot teen gets $70,000 payout

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three reports of alleged aggravated battery involving fireworks.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a disturbance with a weapons call at a business in the 1600 Block of East Lincoln in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the scene, a 19-year-old woman told police she was sitting in her vehicle with the window down. A suspect in a white vehicle threw a mortar-style firework that exploded next to her vehicle. The blast caused minor injuries to her and her vehicle, according to Davidson.

A short time later, police responded to the Pumphouse, 825 East 2nd Street in Wichita's Old Town.

A white Dodge Avenger with tinted windows pulled up along outdoor diners and the vehicle's passenger tossed a lit mortar firework onto the patio and under a table. There were no series injuries or damage to property.

Just after 10:45 p.m. police responded to the 600 Block of North Seneca where multiple individuals told officers a suspect in a white vehicle threw fireworks at those walking in the area. There were no injuries.

Police are looking for the newer model Dodge Avenger, driver and multiple passengers reportedly involved. In addition to the tinted windows, the vehicle has damage on the rear drivers side bumper, according to Davidson.

Police believe all three cases are connected.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three reports of alleged aggravated battery involving fireworks.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FtheREALpumphouse%2Fvideos%2F736137433826230%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="317" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a disturbance with a weapons call at a business in the 1600 Block of East Lincoln in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.At the scene, a 19-year-old woman told police she was sitting in her vehicle with the window down. A suspect in a white vehicle threw a mortar-style firework that exploded next to her vehicle. The blast caused minor injuries to her and her vehicle, according to Davidson.A short time later, police responded to the Pumphouse, 825 East 2nd Street in Wichita's Old Town.A white Dodge Avenger with tinted windows pulled up along outdoor diners and the vehicle's passenger tossed a lit mortar firework onto the patio and under a table. There were no series injuries or damage to property.Just after 10:45 p.m. police responded to the 600 Block of North Seneca where multiple individuals told officers a suspect in a white vehicle threw fireworks at those walking in the area. There were no injuries.Police are looking for the newer model Dodge Avenger, driver and multiple passengers reportedly involved. In addition to the tinted windows, the vehicle has damage on the rear drivers side bumper, according to Davidson.Police believe all three cases are connected.&nbsp;

🎥 Police investigate lit fireworks thrown onto patio at Kan. restaurant

BARTON COUNTY&nbsp; —Two people were injured in an accident just after noon Wednesday in Barton County.

&nbsp;Investigation at the scene indicates a 2020 Ford F250 pickup truck operated by Kayden M Calloway age 24, Hoisington, was northbound on NE. 50th Avenue, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Calloway failed to yield right-of-way while attempting to make a turn onto Kansas 96.&nbsp; A westbound 2010 Peterbilt truck tractor operated by Francis E Mastel age 71, Rantoul, Kansas, struck the F250.

&nbsp;A third vehicle, a 2017 Ford F 150 operated by Craig Fischer, 66 of Ellinwood was eastbound and went into the south ditch in an attempt to avoid the collision of the other two vehicles. 

The F250 struck Fischer's vehicle&nbsp; when it overturned and rolled into the ditch, according to Bellendir.

Mastel and Calloway were transported to the hospital in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Fischer was treated at the scene and released. 

The semi-trailer was loaded with 58 head of cattle and overturned during the collision. Men and equipment were brought to the scene to assist in removing the cattle from the truck. K96 was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours, according to Bellendir.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS service and Kansas Department of Transportation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593640235434.jpeg" alt="Photo of Wednesday crash photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo of Wednesday crash photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY&nbsp; —Two people were injured in an accident just after noon Wednesday in Barton County.&nbsp;Investigation at the scene indicates a 2020 Ford F250 pickup truck operated by Kayden M Calloway age 24, Hoisington, was northbound on NE. 50th Avenue, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.Calloway failed to yield right-of-way while attempting to make a turn onto Kansas 96.&nbsp; A westbound 2010 Peterbilt truck tractor operated by Francis E Mastel age 71, Rantoul, Kansas, struck the F250.&nbsp;A third vehicle, a 2017 Ford F 150 operated by Craig Fischer, 66 of Ellinwood was eastbound and went into the south ditch in an attempt to avoid the collision of the other two vehicles. The F250 struck Fischer's vehicle&nbsp; when it overturned and rolled into the ditch, according to Bellendir.Mastel and Calloway were transported to the hospital in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Fischer was treated at the scene and released. The semi-trailer was loaded with 58 head of cattle and overturned during the collision. Men and equipment were brought to the scene to assist in removing the cattle from the truck. K96 was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours, according to Bellendir.The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS service and Kansas Department of Transportation.

2 hospitalized after crash with cattle truck on Kansas highway

Kansas City (AP) — Police in suburban Kansas City say a teenager has been killed and two others injured in a shooting outside a shopping center.

Raytown police said officers were called to the Raytown Plaza shopping center around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday for reports of gunshots. Arriving officers found a male teen with gunshot wounds outside a smoke shop. The teen, who had not been identified by Wednesday morning, died at the scene, police said.

A short time later, officers found two other men with wounds about a block away inside a laundromat at the other end of the shopping center. At least one had been shot, police said. Both were taken to hospitals, but their medical conditions were not known.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593634855477.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation late Tuesday -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation late Tuesday -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (AP) — Police in suburban Kansas City say a teenager has been killed and two others injured in a shooting outside a shopping center.Raytown police said officers were called to the Raytown Plaza shopping center around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday for reports of gunshots. Arriving officers found a male teen with gunshot wounds outside a smoke shop. The teen, who had not been identified by Wednesday morning, died at the scene, police said.A short time later, officers found two other men with wounds about a block away inside a laundromat at the other end of the shopping center. At least one had been shot, police said. Both were taken to hospitals, but their medical conditions were not known.