CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A criminal investigation into a retired Roman Catholic bishop accused of childhood sexual abuse by more than a dozen men remains open, police in Wyoming said.

A victim advocate from the Natrona County district attorney's office had told an alleged victim that retired Bishop Joseph Hart would not be charged.

Asked why he wasn't pursuing charges, District Attorney Dan Itzen told Cheyenne police Friday that he is still pursuing charges and the case has not been officially closed, police spokesman David Inman said.

Police and Itzen realized the prosecutor misread or misunderstood details in a probable cause affidavit, Inman said.

Itzen’s office in Casper had received the case after the district attorney in Cheyenne recused herself. Part of the misunderstanding arose from a difference in how police in Cheyenne and Casper handle paperwork, Inman said.

“Basically it was, ‘Oh I didn’t know this and this is what you meant by this and this.’ That’s what’s causing the case to come back to life,” Inman said. “They’re going to convene with their guys, they’re going to call the chief, and we’re going to meet again.”

Communication between police and prosecutors had been difficult, Inman said.

Itzen referred comment Monday to Assistant District Attorney Michael Schafer, who did not immediately return a phone message.

Hart, 88, was was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, for 21 years before moving to Wyoming, where he served as auxiliary and then full bishop from 1976 until his retirement in 2001.

The first known allegations against Hart dated to the early 1960s and were made in the late 1980s. At least six men have come forward in the past two years to say Hart abused them in Wyoming.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has settled in court with at least 10 victims.

The dioceses in Cheyenne and Kansas City have said the men who’ve come forward against Hart are credible and church officials have substantiated the allegations against Hart.

Hart has consistently denied all accusations of misconduct. Hart's attorney, Tom Jubin, did not immediately return a phone message Monday seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584382944581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A criminal investigation into a retired Roman Catholic bishop accused of childhood sexual abuse by more than a dozen men remains open, police in Wyoming said.A victim advocate from the Natrona County district attorney's office had told an alleged victim that retired Bishop Joseph Hart would not be charged.Asked why he wasn't pursuing charges, District Attorney Dan Itzen told Cheyenne police Friday that he is still pursuing charges and the case has not been officially closed, police spokesman David Inman said.Police and Itzen realized the prosecutor misread or misunderstood details in a probable cause affidavit, Inman said.Itzen’s office in Casper had received the case after the district attorney in Cheyenne recused herself. Part of the misunderstanding arose from a difference in how police in Cheyenne and Casper handle paperwork, Inman said.“Basically it was, ‘Oh I didn’t know this and this is what you meant by this and this.’ That’s what’s causing the case to come back to life,” Inman said. “They’re going to convene with their guys, they’re going to call the chief, and we’re going to meet again.”Communication between police and prosecutors had been difficult, Inman said.Itzen referred comment Monday to Assistant District Attorney Michael Schafer, who did not immediately return a phone message.Hart, 88, was was a priest in Kansas City, Missouri, for 21 years before moving to Wyoming, where he served as auxiliary and then full bishop from 1976 until his retirement in 2001.The first known allegations against Hart dated to the early 1960s and were made in the late 1980s. At least six men have come forward in the past two years to say Hart abused them in Wyoming.The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has settled in court with at least 10 victims.The dioceses in Cheyenne and Kansas City have said the men who’ve come forward against Hart are credible and church officials have substantiated the allegations against Hart.Hart has consistently denied all accusations of misconduct. Hart's attorney, Tom Jubin, did not immediately return a phone message Monday seeking comment.

Police: Sex abuse case against former KC priest still open

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Labor Secretary Delia Garcia, who was already under attack for the slow processing of unemployment claims during the pandemic, has resigned after her agency pushed the bank accounts of an unknown number of jobless residents into the red, the governor said Monday.

(Advance the player to 3:00 to listen to the governor's comments on the Kansas Dept. of Labor)

Gov. Laura Kelly announced she had accepted Garcia’s resignation on Sunday night and appointed the governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Ryan Wright to serve in an acting role until a permanent candidate can be nominated.

“We have been too slow to process unemployment claims, too many mistakes were made while trying to deliver claims, and our response time has not been addressed with urgency,” Kelly said at a news conference.

On June 10, duplicate payments totaling $7 million were sent to more than 4,500 claimants of pandemic unemployment assistance and compensation programs. On Thursday, the Labor Department began reversing those duplicate payments, a process known as clawback, that caused some bank accounts to become overdrawn.

The state is investigating reports that the state also removed money from the accounts of people who had not received duplicate payments, the governor said.

“The decision to clawback duplicate payments was done without consent from my office and after my staff had directed them not to move forward with clawbacks,” Kelly said. “We will determine how this breakdown occurred and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”

The state Labor Department is working to identify and reimburse people whose accounts were overdrawn, and has set up a special hotline and email for them to contact the department.

The governor said she would take action to address the volume of claims for unemployment insurance, including bringing in specialists to determine how to improve response times for unemployment insurance and implementing new ways to manage the caseload and mitigate backlogs and errors.

“While states around the country have struggled to manage unemployment claims during the worst public health crisis in a century, Secretary García inherited an agency that had its funding, its technology, and its staff gutted by the previous administration,” Kelly said.

Some Republican lawmakers called for Garcia’s ouster last month, saying she had mismanaged the agency so badly that thousands of people were denied prompt payment of unemployment benefits.

But the governor steadfastly defended Garcia at the time, noting that the state unexpectedly went from record low to record high unemployment rates when the economy shut down to slow spread of the coronavirus virus. The state’s 40-year-old computer system was unable to keep up with the claims.

“I’m thankful that the governor has finally recognized the Department of Labor is broken and thousands of Kansans who have been laid off through no fault of their own have been wronged by the system,” said Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle.

Wagle, a Wichita Republican, added that she continues to hear from unemployed Kansans who aren’t receiving checks or have been cut off from payments.

Complaints about the handling of unemployment claims have dogged officials across the country, including in Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. The director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission also resigned following complaints about unpaid jobless claims.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Monday accepted Kansas Department of Labor Secretary Delía García’s resignation and&nbsp;announced multiple actions she will be taking to address the issues impacting the department's ability to handle the volume of claims for Unemployment Insurance (UI).

&nbsp;The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Ryan Wright will serve as acting Secretary of Labor until a permanent candidate is nominated for appointment, according to a media release from the governor's office.

Governor Kelly will also bring in specialists to look for ways to improve response times for Kansans applying for UI, implement new processes to manage the caseload, and mitigate future backlogs and errors that have occurred while attempting to deliver payments.

“As Governor, I’m responsible for KDOL’s handling of unemployment claims. I am taking immediate action to ensure Kansans who are out of work, through no fault of their own, are getting the assistance they need,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank Secretary García for her service to Kansas. While states around the country have struggled to manage unemployment claims during the worst public health crisis in a century, Secretary García inherited an agency that had its funding, its technology, and its staff gutted by the previous administration.”

On June 10th, duplicate payments were made to more than 4500 claimants of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and some Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) claimants for a total of about $7 million. Without consulting Governor Kelly, on June 18th, KDOL began attempting to reverse the duplicate payments in a process known as a “clawback.” The clawback caused some PUA and FPUC recipients’ bank accounts to be overdrawn.

KDOL is working with its partner banks to identify and reimburse any PUA or FPUC recipient whose account was overdrawn because of the clawback. KDOL will also create a special hotline and an email for Kansans who have been impacted.

“These last few months have been unusually stressful on everyone. State government employees in Kansas and around the country have been asked to deal with an unusually high volume of activity. We have a responsibility to the people we represent to get it right. And when we don’t, we’ll make the changes needed to fix the problem,” Governor Kelly said. “I will use every resource at my disposal to ensure that we improve our response time to Kansans and build an infrastructure at KDOL that will be prepared in the event of further economic impacts from COVID-19.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592841132653.png" alt="Former Kansas Labor Secretary Delia Garcia during a press briefing with Governor Kelly in early May&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas Labor Secretary Delia Garcia during a press briefing with Governor Kelly in early May&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Labor Secretary Delia Garcia, who was already under attack for the slow processing of unemployment claims during the pandemic, has resigned after her agency pushed the bank accounts of an unknown number of jobless residents into the red, the governor said Monday.(Advance the player to 3:00 to listen to the governor's comments on the Kansas Dept. of Labor)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F901311227042496%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>Gov. Laura Kelly announced she had accepted Garcia’s resignation on Sunday night and appointed the governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Ryan Wright to serve in an acting role until a permanent candidate can be nominated.“We have been too slow to process unemployment claims, too many mistakes were made while trying to deliver claims, and our response time has not been addressed with urgency,” Kelly said at a news conference.On June 10, duplicate payments totaling $7 million were sent to more than 4,500 claimants of pandemic unemployment assistance and compensation programs. On Thursday, the Labor Department began reversing those duplicate payments, a process known as clawback, that caused some bank accounts to become overdrawn.The state is investigating reports that the state also removed money from the accounts of people who had not received duplicate payments, the governor said.“The decision to clawback duplicate payments was done without consent from my office and after my staff had directed them not to move forward with clawbacks,” Kelly said. “We will determine how this breakdown occurred and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”The state Labor Department is working to identify and reimburse people whose accounts were overdrawn, and has set up a special hotline and email for them to contact the department.The governor said she would take action to address the volume of claims for unemployment insurance, including bringing in specialists to determine how to improve response times for unemployment insurance and implementing new ways to manage the caseload and mitigate backlogs and errors.“While states around the country have struggled to manage unemployment claims during the worst public health crisis in a century, Secretary García inherited an agency that had its funding, its technology, and its staff gutted by the previous administration,” Kelly said.She thanked Garcia for her service.Some Republican lawmakers called for Garcia’s ouster last month, saying she had mismanaged the agency so badly that thousands of people were denied prompt payment of unemployment benefits.But the governor steadfastly defended Garcia at the time, noting that the state unexpectedly went from record low to record high unemployment rates when the economy shut down to slow spread of the coronavirus virus. The state’s 40-year-old computer system was unable to keep up with the claims.“I’m thankful that the governor has finally recognized the Department of Labor is broken and thousands of Kansans who have been laid off through no fault of their own have been wronged by the system,” said Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle.Wagle, a Wichita Republican, added that she continues to hear from unemployed Kansans who aren’t receiving checks or have been cut off from payments.Complaints about the handling of unemployment claims have dogged officials across the country, including in Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. The director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission also resigned following complaints about unpaid jobless claims.--------TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Monday accepted Kansas Department of Labor Secretary Delía García’s resignation and&nbsp;announced multiple actions she will be taking to address the issues impacting the department's ability to handle the volume of claims for Unemployment Insurance (UI).&nbsp;The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Ryan Wright will serve as acting Secretary of Labor until a permanent candidate is nominated for appointment, according to a media release from the governor's office.Governor Kelly will also bring in specialists to look for ways to improve response times for Kansans applying for UI, implement new processes to manage the caseload, and mitigate future backlogs and errors that have occurred while attempting to deliver payments.“As Governor, I’m responsible for KDOL’s handling of unemployment claims. I am taking immediate action to ensure Kansans who are out of work, through no fault of their own, are getting the assistance they need,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank Secretary García for her service to Kansas. While states around the country have struggled to manage unemployment claims during the worst public health crisis in a century, Secretary García inherited an agency that had its funding, its technology, and its staff gutted by the previous administration.”On June 10th, duplicate payments were made to more than 4500 claimants of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and some Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) claimants for a total of about $7 million. Without consulting Governor Kelly, on June 18th, KDOL began attempting to reverse the duplicate payments in a process known as a “clawback.” The clawback caused some PUA and FPUC recipients’ bank accounts to be overdrawn.KDOL is working with its partner banks to identify and reimburse any PUA or FPUC recipient whose account was overdrawn because of the clawback. KDOL will also create a special hotline and an email for Kansans who have been impacted.“These last few months have been unusually stressful on everyone. State government employees in Kansas and around the country have been asked to deal with an unusually high volume of activity. We have a responsibility to the people we represent to get it right. And when we don’t, we’ll make the changes needed to fix the problem,” Governor Kelly said. “I will use every resource at my disposal to ensure that we improve our response time to Kansans and build an infrastructure at KDOL that will be prepared in the event of further economic impacts from COVID-19.”

🎥 $7M error led to Kan. Labor Secretary's resignation

TOPEKA&nbsp;— Governor Laura Kelly announced that her administration, as well as officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that communities do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” which was originally planned to begin June 22, and instead stay in Phase 3 for at least two more weeks.

“Though many Kansans and communities have been social distancing, wearing masks, and working hard over the past few weeks to mitigate the spread of the virus, we have unfortunately seen an increase in disease spread,” Governor Kelly said. “After consulting with Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE, I have decided that our state is not ready to move into the final phase of the ‘Ad Astra’ plan until July 6, 2020, at the earliest.”

The emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.

“My administration is dedicated to getting Kansans back to work and back to school, in the safest way possible. We can’t do that if every person and community does not follow the Phase 3 guidelines,” Governor Kelly said. “Please wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands often. Our state’s economic recovery depends on it.”

Key Phase 3 highlights for communities:

As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cf988553dba4343390a1208d816f5256a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637284589443181565&amp;sdata=f1%2BpHAyTr0b2Yf6BR77khp4vn7E8TV%2BbOCD40eeWshw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">“Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,”</a>&nbsp;is available in full at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cf988553dba4343390a1208d816f5256a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637284589443181565&amp;sdata=f1%2BpHAyTr0b2Yf6BR77khp4vn7E8TV%2BbOCD40eeWshw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">covid.ks.gov</a>, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588354966337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;— Governor Laura Kelly announced that her administration, as well as officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that communities do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” which was originally planned to begin June 22, and instead stay in Phase 3 for at least two more weeks.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F901311227042496%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>“Though many Kansans and communities have been social distancing, wearing masks, and working hard over the past few weeks to mitigate the spread of the virus, we have unfortunately seen an increase in disease spread,” Governor Kelly said. “After consulting with Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE, I have decided that our state is not ready to move into the final phase of the ‘Ad Astra’ plan until July 6, 2020, at the earliest.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592862561833.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly during Monday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly during Monday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>The emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.“My administration is dedicated to getting Kansans back to work and back to school, in the safest way possible. We can’t do that if every person and community does not follow the Phase 3 guidelines,” Governor Kelly said. “Please wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands often. Our state’s economic recovery depends on it.”Key Phase 3 highlights for communities:<ul>
 <li>Mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals are not recommended;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>All education, activities, venues and establishments may operate and are recommended to follow all public health guidelines;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>On-site staffing has no recommended restrictions;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Nonessential travel may resume, provided travelers follow&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.coronavirus.kdheks.gov%2F175%2FTravel-Exposure-Related-Isolation-Quaran&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cf988553dba4343390a1208d816f5256a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637284589443171607&amp;sdata=nHx34TN%2BhoQJMpWN7TL60nNDZdybQKDtP07FrycTwow%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas.</a></li>
 </ul>As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:<ul>
 <li>Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Remaining home when sick or running a fever;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;</li>
 </ul><a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cf988553dba4343390a1208d816f5256a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637284589443181565&amp;sdata=f1%2BpHAyTr0b2Yf6BR77khp4vn7E8TV%2BbOCD40eeWshw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">“Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,”</a>&nbsp;is available in full at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cf988553dba4343390a1208d816f5256a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637284589443181565&amp;sdata=f1%2BpHAyTr0b2Yf6BR77khp4vn7E8TV%2BbOCD40eeWshw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">covid.ks.gov</a>, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

🎥  Governor recommends Kan. stay in Phase 3 of reopening plan

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Monday extended a ban on green cards issued outside the United States until the end of the year and added many temporary work visas to the freeze, including those used heavily by technology companies and multinational corporations.

The administration cast the effort as a way to free up jobs in an economy reeling from the coronavirus. A senior official who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity predicted it will open up to 525,000 jobs for Americans, a claim that was immediately challenged by critics.

The ban, while temporary, represents a cut to legal immigration on a scale that had eluded the administration before the pandemic. Long-term changes that would prevent many asylum seekers from getting work permits and would allocate high-tech worker visas differently are also being sought.

Business groups pressed hard to limit the changes, but got little of what they wanted, marking a victory for immigration hardliners as Trump seeks to further solidify their support ahead of the November election.

The ban on new visas, which takes effect Wednesday, applies to H-1B visas, which are widely used by major American and Indian technology companies, H-2B visas for nonagricultural seasonal workers, J-1 visas for cultural exchanges and L-1 visas for managers and other key employees of multinational corporations.

There will be exemptions for food processing workers, which make up about 15% of H-2B visas, the official said. Health care workers assisting with the coronavirus fight will continue to be spared from the green-card freeze, though their exemption will be narrower.

“In the administration of our Nation’s immigration system, we must remain mindful of the impact of foreign workers on the United States labor market, particularly in the current extraordinary environment of high domestic unemployment and depressed demand for labor,” Trump wrote in his presidential proclamation.

Trump imposed a 60-day ban on green cards issued abroad in April, which was set to expire Monday. That announcement, which largely targeted family members, drew a surprisingly chilly reception from immigration hardliners, who said the president didn’t go far enough.

The new steps to include non-immigrant visas went a long toward appeasing hardliners.

“This is a bold move by the Trump administration to protect American jobs,” said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for restrictions. “Not all the items on our checklist of needed actions are included in today’s announcement, but the corporate lobbyists who were desperately fighting for exceptions to protect their clients’ access to cheap foreign labor have largely been rebuffed.”

Thomas J. Donohue, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive officer, said the measures will harm, not help, the American economy.

“Putting up a ‘not welcome’ sign for engineers, executives, IT experts, doctors, nurses and other workers won’t help our country, it will hold us back,” he said. “Restrictive changes to our nation’s immigration system will push investment and economic activity abroad, slow growth, and reduce job creation.”

BSA, a group that represents major software companies, urged the administration to reconsider, particularly changes to the H-1B program, saying they will hinder economic recovery by making it harder to fill critical positions.

“Filling these roles that are more abundant than the number of U.S. employees qualified to fill them means these jobs can be kept in the U.S.,” the group said. “This allows companies based in the U.S. to remain globally competitive, which in turn boosts the U.S. economy, creating jobs for millions of Americans.”

The freezes on visas issued abroad are designed to take effect immediately. Other changes, including restrictions on work permits for asylum seekers, will go through a formal rule-making process that takes months.

The administration is proposing a new way of awarding H-1B visas, the official said, awarding them by highest salary instead of by lottery.

H-1B visas are capped at 85,000 a year for people with “highly specialized knowledge” and minimum of a bachelor’s degree, often in science, technology, engineering, teaching and accounting. Critics say high-tech companies have used the visas as a tool to outsource jobs to foreigners, replacing Americans.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. was the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Data/Employment-based/H-1B/approved-h-1b-petitions-by-employer-fy-2018.pdf" target="_blank">largest H-1B employer</a>&nbsp;in the 2018 fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Infosys Ltd., Deloitte Consulting LLP and Microsoft Corp. Other major employers include Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Google and Facebook Inc.

The rule against asylum seekers, scheduled to take effect Aug. 25, would make it much more difficult for them to get work permits by, among other things, lengthening the waiting time to apply from 150 days to a year and barring applicants who cross the border illegally.

The 328-page regulation — signed by Chad Mizelle, the Homeland Security Department’s acting general counsel, who is considered an ally of White House adviser Stephen Miller — says limiting work permits will remove a major incentive for people to come to the United States for asylum.

It is the latest in a long string of measures that make asylum more difficult to get — almost unattainable, according to some immigrant advocacy groups.

“The rule will prevent many refugees from feeding, supporting, and housing themselves and their families,” said Eleanor Acer, Human Rights First’s senior director for refugee protection. “Asylum seekers and their families already struggle to survive under existing work authorization wait times. But this rule will make survival impossible for many.”

Perhaps the only major consolation for business and academic institutions is the preservation — at least for now — of the Optional Practical Training program that allows college graduates to stay in the United States up to three years after completing study.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588194319573.png" alt="President Trump-photo courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Trump-photo courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Monday extended a ban on green cards issued outside the United States until the end of the year and added many temporary work visas to the freeze, including those used heavily by technology companies and multinational corporations.The administration cast the effort as a way to free up jobs in an economy reeling from the coronavirus. A senior official who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity predicted it will open up to 525,000 jobs for Americans, a claim that was immediately challenged by critics.The ban, while temporary, represents a cut to legal immigration on a scale that had eluded the administration before the pandemic. Long-term changes that would prevent many asylum seekers from getting work permits and would allocate high-tech worker visas differently are also being sought.Business groups pressed hard to limit the changes, but got little of what they wanted, marking a victory for immigration hardliners as Trump seeks to further solidify their support ahead of the November election.The ban on new visas, which takes effect Wednesday, applies to H-1B visas, which are widely used by major American and Indian technology companies, H-2B visas for nonagricultural seasonal workers, J-1 visas for cultural exchanges and L-1 visas for managers and other key employees of multinational corporations.There will be exemptions for food processing workers, which make up about 15% of H-2B visas, the official said. Health care workers assisting with the coronavirus fight will continue to be spared from the green-card freeze, though their exemption will be narrower.“In the administration of our Nation’s immigration system, we must remain mindful of the impact of foreign workers on the United States labor market, particularly in the current extraordinary environment of high domestic unemployment and depressed demand for labor,” Trump wrote in his presidential proclamation.Trump imposed a 60-day ban on green cards issued abroad in April, which was set to expire Monday. That announcement, which largely targeted family members, drew a surprisingly chilly reception from immigration hardliners, who said the president didn’t go far enough.The new steps to include non-immigrant visas went a long toward appeasing hardliners.“This is a bold move by the Trump administration to protect American jobs,” said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for restrictions. “Not all the items on our checklist of needed actions are included in today’s announcement, but the corporate lobbyists who were desperately fighting for exceptions to protect their clients’ access to cheap foreign labor have largely been rebuffed.”Thomas J. Donohue, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive officer, said the measures will harm, not help, the American economy.“Putting up a ‘not welcome’ sign for engineers, executives, IT experts, doctors, nurses and other workers won’t help our country, it will hold us back,” he said. “Restrictive changes to our nation’s immigration system will push investment and economic activity abroad, slow growth, and reduce job creation.”BSA, a group that represents major software companies, urged the administration to reconsider, particularly changes to the H-1B program, saying they will hinder economic recovery by making it harder to fill critical positions.“Filling these roles that are more abundant than the number of U.S. employees qualified to fill them means these jobs can be kept in the U.S.,” the group said. “This allows companies based in the U.S. to remain globally competitive, which in turn boosts the U.S. economy, creating jobs for millions of Americans.”The freezes on visas issued abroad are designed to take effect immediately. Other changes, including restrictions on work permits for asylum seekers, will go through a formal rule-making process that takes months.The administration is proposing a new way of awarding H-1B visas, the official said, awarding them by highest salary instead of by lottery.H-1B visas are capped at 85,000 a year for people with “highly specialized knowledge” and minimum of a bachelor’s degree, often in science, technology, engineering, teaching and accounting. Critics say high-tech companies have used the visas as a tool to outsource jobs to foreigners, replacing Americans.Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. was the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Data/Employment-based/H-1B/approved-h-1b-petitions-by-employer-fy-2018.pdf" target="_blank">largest H-1B employer</a>&nbsp;in the 2018 fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Infosys Ltd., Deloitte Consulting LLP and Microsoft Corp. Other major employers include Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Google and Facebook Inc.The rule against asylum seekers, scheduled to take effect Aug. 25, would make it much more difficult for them to get work permits by, among other things, lengthening the waiting time to apply from 150 days to a year and barring applicants who cross the border illegally.The 328-page regulation — signed by Chad Mizelle, the Homeland Security Department’s acting general counsel, who is considered an ally of White House adviser Stephen Miller — says limiting work permits will remove a major incentive for people to come to the United States for asylum.It is the latest in a long string of measures that make asylum more difficult to get — almost unattainable, according to some immigrant advocacy groups.“The rule will prevent many refugees from feeding, supporting, and housing themselves and their families,” said Eleanor Acer, Human Rights First’s senior director for refugee protection. “Asylum seekers and their families already struggle to survive under existing work authorization wait times. But this rule will make survival impossible for many.”Perhaps the only major consolation for business and academic institutions is the preservation — at least for now — of the Optional Practical Training program that allows college graduates to stay in the United States up to three years after completing study.

Trump administration extends work visa ban to non-immigrants

MEADE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Meade County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Edge driven by Verna L. Mandrell, 48, Lubbock, TX., was westbound on US Highway 54 at mile post 52.9.

The Ford traveled left of center and struck an eastbound 2015 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Aman D. Singh, 41, Turlock, California.

The Ford spun after hitting the semi and an eastbound 2017 Volvo driven by Jagpreet Singh, 28, Ripon, California, struck the Ford.

Mandrell was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Fidler Orme-Bachman Mortuary. The other drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

MEADE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Meade County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Edge driven by Verna L. Mandrell, 48, Lubbock, TX., was westbound on US Highway 54 at mile post 52.9.The Ford traveled left of center and struck an eastbound 2015 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Aman D. Singh, 41, Turlock, California.The Ford spun after hitting the semi and an eastbound 2017 Volvo driven by Jagpreet Singh, 28, Ripon, California, struck the Ford.Mandrell was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Fidler Orme-Bachman Mortuary. The other drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman dies in 3-vehicle crash on Kansas highway

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a protest and riot in Sioux Falls, South Dakota have&nbsp; reported&nbsp; the suspect was arrested in Kansas, according to Sam Clemens with Sioux Falls police.

The peaceful protest on May 31 over the death of George Floyd became unruly when some in the crowd began throwing large rocks and bottles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police reviewed video of the riot and saw a person pull a firearm from a waistband and point it at officers before firing several shots.

Police identified the suspect as 17-year-old Decimas Jesus&nbsp;Laurelez of Sioux Falls.&nbsp;

On Friday, the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested Laurelez in Holcomb, Kansas on requested charges of&nbsp; attempted murder, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and riot.

George Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis after Derek Chauvin, a white officer, held his knee to the neck of the handcuffed Black man even after Floyd stopped moving and pleading for air. His death sparked demonstrations around the world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592849771441.png" alt="Laurelez -photo Minnehaha Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Laurelez -photo Minnehaha Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a protest and riot in Sioux Falls, South Dakota have&nbsp; reported&nbsp; the suspect was arrested in Kansas, according to Sam Clemens with Sioux Falls police.The peaceful protest on May 31 over the death of George Floyd became unruly when some in the crowd began throwing large rocks and bottles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police reviewed video of the riot and saw a person pull a firearm from a waistband and point it at officers before firing several shots.Police identified the suspect as 17-year-old Decimas Jesus&nbsp;Laurelez of Sioux Falls.&nbsp;On Friday, the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested Laurelez in Holcomb, Kansas on requested charges of&nbsp; attempted murder, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and riot.George Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis after Derek Chauvin, a white officer, held his knee to the neck of the handcuffed Black man even after Floyd stopped moving and pleading for air. His death sparked demonstrations around the world.

Teen wanted for protest shooting at police arrested in Kansas

HAMILTON COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office have issued a second arrest warrant in connected to the Friday June 19 homicide of Kevin Palma-Rodriguez of Syracuse.

The arrest warrant is for Ismael Gomez-Carvajal, 43, of Syracuse, who is wanted for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and criminal solicitation. 

Gomez-Carvajal and Amner Tejada-Vigil may be driving a purple or blue 2007 Chevrolet Equinox bearing Kansas tag 513MMN.

At 11:57 a.m. Friday, a 911 call was received reporting a shooting in Syracuse, according to a media release from the KBI.

 When deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the Country Café apartments at 503 E. Ave. A, Apt. 9, they discovered a man inside the apartment who had died from gunshot wounds. The coroner pronounced the man dead at the scene.

He was later identified as 21-year-old Kevin A. Palma-Rodriguez of Syracuse.

A search warrant was conducted by the KBI High Risk Warrant Team at a residence at&nbsp;310 W. Hwy 50, Apt. 9, in&nbsp;Syracuse. Then, an arrest warrant was issued for first-degree murder for 25-year-old Amner Y. Tejada-Vigil, also known as Jeovany Vijil. He lives at the Syracuse residence where the search warrant was conducted. Tejada-Vigil has not yet been located, or arrested.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office at 620-384-5616. A tip can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592870268213.png" alt="Gomez-Carvajal photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-Carvajal photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>HAMILTON COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office have issued a second arrest warrant in connected to the Friday June 19 homicide of Kevin Palma-Rodriguez of Syracuse.The arrest warrant is for Ismael Gomez-Carvajal, 43, of Syracuse, who is wanted for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and criminal solicitation. Gomez-Carvajal and Amner Tejada-Vigil may be driving a purple or blue 2007 Chevrolet Equinox bearing Kansas tag 513MMN.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592684673601.png" alt="Amner Y. Tejada-Vigil photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Amner Y. Tejada-Vigil photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>At 11:57 a.m. Friday, a 911 call was received reporting a shooting in Syracuse, according to a media release from the KBI. When deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the Country Café apartments at 503 E. Ave. A, Apt. 9, they discovered a man inside the apartment who had died from gunshot wounds. The coroner pronounced the man dead at the scene.He was later identified as 21-year-old Kevin A. Palma-Rodriguez of Syracuse.A search warrant was conducted by the KBI High Risk Warrant Team at a residence at&nbsp;310 W. Hwy 50, Apt. 9, in&nbsp;Syracuse. Then, an arrest warrant was issued for first-degree murder for 25-year-old Amner Y. Tejada-Vigil, also known as Jeovany Vijil. He lives at the Syracuse residence where the search warrant was conducted. Tejada-Vigil has not yet been located, or arrested.Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office at 620-384-5616. A tip can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

KBI looking for 2nd suspect for alleged SW Kan. murder

WICHITA, KS. – A man has been sentenced to probation for the traffic deaths of two women in 2018 in south Wichita. 

On Friday, Senior Judge Bob Fleming sentenced Tito Kyando, 40 of Wichita, to 36 months of probation with an underlying sentence of 32 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's office.

 If Kyando violates probation, he could be ordered to serve the underlying sentence. The State had requested Judge Fleming sentence Kyando to 64 months in prison.

On September 4, 2018 Uriel Salabao, 23 of Wichita, and Miyah Latney, 22 of Wichita, were driving to a business near Spirit Aerosystems when their Ford Fiesta was struck by a Chevy Trailblazer at 31st Street South and Turnpike Drive. 

After an investigation, Wichita Police found Kyando was driving 88 miles an hour in a 40-mile an hour zone, one second before the crash.

On March 4th, a jury found Kyando guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592606334006.png" alt="Kyando" />
 <figcaption>Kyando</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KS. – A man has been sentenced to probation for the traffic deaths of two women in 2018 in south Wichita. On Friday, Senior Judge Bob Fleming sentenced Tito Kyando, 40 of Wichita, to 36 months of probation with an underlying sentence of 32 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's office. If Kyando violates probation, he could be ordered to serve the underlying sentence. The State had requested Judge Fleming sentence Kyando to 64 months in prison.On September 4, 2018 Uriel Salabao, 23 of Wichita, and Miyah Latney, 22 of Wichita, were driving to a business near Spirit Aerosystems when their Ford Fiesta was struck by a Chevy Trailblazer at 31st Street South and Turnpike Drive. After an investigation, Wichita Police found Kyando was driving 88 miles an hour in a 40-mile an hour zone, one second before the crash.On March 4th, a jury found Kyando guilty of two counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Kan. man was driving 88-mph in 40-mph zone before fatal crash

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced Monday, The Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI) has 12 new positives cases in five staff members and seven residents, according to a media release.

Howard also announced&nbsp;that one staff member at Osawatomie State Hospital (OSH) has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first positive case at OSH in either residents or staff.

To protect the identity of staff and residents at each hospital,&nbsp;no further information will be released.

Friday, June 19, an employee at OSH reported a positive test result to the hospital’s infection control nurse. In coordination with the Miami County Health Department, all 11 residents on the unit who were in close contact with the positive employee will be tested as a priority. A testing strategy that reaches beyond those working or living on the unit is currently being discussed and several steps have been taken to further maximize safety precautions already in place to minimize risk of further exposure:

“This is an extremely stressful time for patients, their loved ones and our staff members,” OSH Superintendent Kristin Feeback said. “We recognize that communication with patients, families and staff is critically important, especially after a confirmed COVID-19 case. I appreciate our staff being so responsive and adaptive to the instructions given by local health officials to make sure we do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus as effectively as possible.”

Thursday, June 18, KNI reported one staff member and one resident in the same home on campus tested positive for COVID-19 and at least one more staff member was symptomatic. Officials at KNI worked in collaboration with the Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Shawnee County Health Department to administer more than 80 tests to all staff working in the affected home as well as all residents in the building where that home is located. At the time of this release, those tests have resulted in positive cases in five staff members and seven residents in three living units covering two campus buildings. Three of the 12 positive cases at KNI are symptomatic, but zero currently require hospitalization.

KDHE and KNI and local health department officials are expanding testing on campus in the coming days to include all staff in potentially affected areas with a goal of an additional 200 staff tested by end of day today. Residents in all three affected living units have already been tested. KNI continues to follow similar PPE practices to those implemented at OSH.

“We are thankful to the health officials at the state and local level for their quick and effective communication and response,” KNI Superintendent Brent Widick said. “Our residents are like family and we work very hard to keep them safe, so this kind of news takes a real emotional toll on our staff.”

KNI reported its first two cases of staff members on April 17 this year. Both of those cases have been cleared.

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced Monday, The Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI) has 12 new positives cases in five staff members and seven residents, according to a media release.Howard also announced&nbsp;that one staff member at Osawatomie State Hospital (OSH) has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first positive case at OSH in either residents or staff.To protect the identity of staff and residents at each hospital,&nbsp;no further information will be released.Friday, June 19, an employee at OSH reported a positive test result to the hospital’s infection control nurse. In coordination with the Miami County Health Department, all 11 residents on the unit who were in close contact with the positive employee will be tested as a priority. A testing strategy that reaches beyond those working or living on the unit is currently being discussed and several steps have been taken to further maximize safety precautions already in place to minimize risk of further exposure:<ul>
 <li>Any employee with direct, close contact with the positive employee has been contacted and begun a 14-day quarantine as instructed by the Miami County Health Department.</li><li>Any patients directly exposed to the positive employee are strongly encouraged to isolate in their room and wear a facemask anytime they leave their room.&nbsp;Patients on the unit where the employee worked will remain on the unit and are being closely monitored for any change in status. COVID-19 testing will be implemented at the appropriate time according to time of exposure.</li><li>At this time, there will be no admissions to the affected unit. All staff working on the affected unit are required to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, to include nurses, other professionals, security and housekeeping.</li><li>Separate entrances and exits have been established on the affected unit to minimize exposure to staff and patients on other units.</li><li>The frequently touched surfaces in the affected unit are now being disinfected three times per shift.</li>
 </ul>“This is an extremely stressful time for patients, their loved ones and our staff members,” OSH Superintendent Kristin Feeback said. “We recognize that communication with patients, families and staff is critically important, especially after a confirmed COVID-19 case. I appreciate our staff being so responsive and adaptive to the instructions given by local health officials to make sure we do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus as effectively as possible.”Thursday, June 18, KNI reported one staff member and one resident in the same home on campus tested positive for COVID-19 and at least one more staff member was symptomatic. Officials at KNI worked in collaboration with the Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Shawnee County Health Department to administer more than 80 tests to all staff working in the affected home as well as all residents in the building where that home is located. At the time of this release, those tests have resulted in positive cases in five staff members and seven residents in three living units covering two campus buildings. Three of the 12 positive cases at KNI are symptomatic, but zero currently require hospitalization.KDHE and KNI and local health department officials are expanding testing on campus in the coming days to include all staff in potentially affected areas with a goal of an additional 200 staff tested by end of day today. Residents in all three affected living units have already been tested. KNI continues to follow similar PPE practices to those implemented at OSH.“We are thankful to the health officials at the state and local level for their quick and effective communication and response,” KNI Superintendent Brent Widick said. “Our residents are like family and we work very hard to keep them safe, so this kind of news takes a real emotional toll on our staff.”KNI reported its first two cases of staff members on April 17 this year. Both of those cases have been cleared.

12 cases of coronavirus at Kan. Neurological Institute 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A suspect in the death of a woman who was struck by a vehicle in Kansas City during the weekend surrendered, police said Monday.

The suspect was wanted in the death of Zahara Kathawalla, 23, of Kansas City, WDAF-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/suspect-in-deadly-hit-and-run-surrenders-to-kcpd-victim-identified/">reported</a>. She was struck while crossing a street in central Kansas City early Sunday. The car that hit her fled but was later found abandoned a few blocks away.

Witnesses told police two cars were racing when one of them hit Kathawalla.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 23-year-old woman was struck and killed by a car racing down the street early Sunday in Kansas City police said.

Police said the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday near 43rd and Main streets. Witnesses told police that two vehicles were racing southbound on Main Street, and one of the vehicles struck the victim as she crossed the street. The woman died at the scene.

The black Ford Focus that struck the woman left the scene of the crash. It was found abandoned several blocks away later Sunday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592856211781.png" alt="Security camera image of the cars racing prior to the fatal crash -courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of the cars racing prior to the fatal crash -courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A suspect in the death of a woman who was struck by a vehicle in Kansas City during the weekend surrendered, police said Monday.The suspect was wanted in the death of Zahara Kathawalla, 23, of Kansas City, WDAF-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/suspect-in-deadly-hit-and-run-surrenders-to-kcpd-victim-identified/">reported</a>. She was struck while crossing a street in central Kansas City early Sunday. The car that hit her fled but was later found abandoned a few blocks away.Witnesses told police two cars were racing when one of them hit Kathawalla.The suspect's name was not released.The investigation is continuing.---------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 23-year-old woman was struck and killed by a car racing down the street early Sunday in Kansas City police said.Police said the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday near 43rd and Main streets. Witnesses told police that two vehicles were racing southbound on Main Street, and one of the vehicles struck the victim as she crossed the street. The woman died at the scene.The black Ford Focus that struck the woman left the scene of the crash. It was found abandoned several blocks away later Sunday morning.

Update: Pedestrian killed by racing car in Kansas City

&nbsp;TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly held a&nbsp;press briefing Monday afternoon to discuss the ‘Ad Astra’ Plan and to address actions taken to improve the Kansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) response to the Unemployment Insurance caseload.&nbsp;

Embattled Kansas Labor Secretary Delia Garcia resigned Sunday night amid escalating problems with the state’s unemployment insurance caseload.

&nbsp;TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly held a&nbsp;press briefing Monday afternoon to discuss the ‘Ad Astra’ Plan and to address actions taken to improve the Kansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) response to the Unemployment Insurance caseload.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F901311227042496%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>Embattled Kansas Labor Secretary Delia Garcia resigned Sunday night amid escalating problems with the state’s unemployment insurance caseload.

🎥 Gov. on Dept. of Labor's unemployment insurance caseload

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fire and have made an arrest.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to 1118 NE Seward Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Fire Chief Kelly Adams.

Upon arrival crews found a fire behind the commercial structure that had self extinguished.&nbsp; Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and caused over $1,500.00 damage to an air conditioning unit, according to Adams.

Investigators identified a suspect and police arrested 59-year-old Jesus Labrador on requested charges of arson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592825672849.png" alt="Labrador" />
 <figcaption>Labrador</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fire and have made an arrest.Just after 10a.m. Sunday, fire crews responded to 1118 NE Seward Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Fire Chief Kelly Adams.Upon arrival crews found a fire behind the commercial structure that had self extinguished.&nbsp; Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and caused over $1,500.00 damage to an air conditioning unit, according to Adams.Investigators identified a suspect and police arrested 59-year-old Jesus Labrador on requested charges of arson.There were no injuries.

Kan. man jailed for allegedly setting air conditioner on fire

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-22/one-in-three-kansas-households-has-yet-to-fill-out-census">Kansas News Service</a>

Amid a pandemic that has slowed efforts to count Americans, more than
 a third of Kansas households haven’t yet responded to the U.S. Census.

In some counties, especially in rural areas, <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">less than half</a> of the population has filled out the forms that help steer <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/about-us/census/" target="_blank">billions</a> in federal dollars and resources to the state each year.

One recent, high-profile example: Medical supplies that Kansas received from the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-06/kansas-is-looking-high-and-low-for-gear-to-protect-health-care-workers-from-covid-19" target="_blank">Strategic National Stockpile</a> to combat COVID-19 went out to counties based on their 2010 Census counts.

As a whole, Kansas’ 65% rate so far is slightly ahead of the national response rate. But <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">participation</a> in the census varies dramatically so far, even within individual counties and towns.

Take Dodge City. Some census tracts in the area have topped 75%. Others, in the town’s south, remain around 40% or 50%.

Those
 areas include neighborhoods with lots of newcomers to the country, and 
lower-income areas such as mobile home parks, according to Blanca Soto.

Soto leads the push for census participation in the southwest part of
 the state for Kansas Appleseed, a group that focuses on poverty, access
 to food, and other issues.

Though this year marks the first time people can <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond.html?cid=23756:census%20online:sem.ga:p:dm:en:&amp;utm_source=sem.ga&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_campaign=dm:en&amp;utm_content=23756&amp;utm_term=census%20online" target="_blank">fill out the Census online</a>,
 many families don’t have computers or smartphones. Others haven’t taken
 the U.S. Census before, and don’t know how the count works. Those with 
family members in the country illegally might be especially fearful.

“With
 the immigrant community, trust (in) the government is a problem,” Soto 
said. “They don't really feel comfortable giving out their personal 
information, for fear that the information will be shared with 
immigration services or the police department.”

By law, the Census Bureau must keep people’s responses <a href="https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/factsheets/2019/comm/2020-confidentiality-factsheet.pdf" target="_blank">confidential</a>. The information cannot be used by immigration or law enforcement agencies.

The
 pandemic has postponed much of the work that grassroots groups and 
community leaders envisioned for promoting the census, forcing them to 
adapt.

“Unfortunately, southwest Kansas is also one of the 
hotspots for COVID-19, which kind of complicates our work,” she said. 
“We are kind of just waiting for it to be pretty safe to go out in 
person, to talk to families and the community.”

Thousands of cases of coronavirus have been linked to Kansas <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-each-other" target="_blank">meatpacking plants</a>, mostly in the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">state’s southwest</a> corner.

When
 coronavirus shut schools down, Kansas Appleseed put explainers and 
stickers about the census into the lunches that many families still 
picked up each day.

The group has also taken to the airwaves on popular Spanish-speaking radio programs, and released videos in other key languages — such as Arabic, Somali and K’iche’ (a Mayan language from central America).

Other hard-to-count groups include very young children, military families and college students.

College
 students should count where they live during the school year, says 
Emily Kelley, who coordinates outreach work for the U.S. Census Bureau 
in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Normally, census workers go door to door 
in college communities during the spring semester to help make sure that
 happens. COVID-19 not only threw a wrench in face-to-face visits, she 
said, it also meant many students didn’t return to their college towns 
after spring break.

“K-State students comprise almost half of the 
population in the city of Manhattan,” Kelley said. “So making sure we 
count them is really, really important.”

The Census Bureau wants college students to fill out their forms with the address they would have occupied on April 1, had the pandemic not shut down their schools.

Kansas receives billions of dollars each year tied to census figures.

More than <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/counting-dollars-2020-role-decennial-census-geographic-distribution-federal-funds" target="_blank">300 federal programs</a>
 rely on the Census Bureau’s decennial count to guide spending, 
including dozens aimed at supporting rural communities. It steers 
dollars for everything from water and road infrastructure to libraries.

George
 Washington University researchers looked at a handful of major health 
programs — including insurance for children — for 2015. It pegged <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/GWIPP%20Reamer%20Fiscal%20Impacts%20of%20Census%20Undercount%20on%20FMAP-based%20Programs%2003-19-18.pdf" target="_blank">the stakes for Kansas</a> at about $30 million in annual lost funds for each 1% of the population that goes uncounted.

“We
 hoped we would be over 80% response rate at this time.” said Wendi 
Stark, who coordinates census outreach efforts for the League of Kansas 
Municipalities. The pandemic forced them to rethink. “Our goal is to 
make sure that we have over 80 percent by July 31.”

In August, 
census workers will fan out to homes that haven’t replied. The more 
people reply by phone or mail, or online, the less knocking those 
workers will have to do amid a pandemic.

Census workers will keep knocking on doors through October.

Many
 rural areas with low response rates in Kansas depend heavily on P.O. 
boxes for mail delivery. That complicates matters because census workers
 <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/director/2010/03/what-if-you-usually-receive-your-mail-at-a-post-office-box-but-didnt-get-a-census-form.html" target="_blank">had to hand-deliver</a>
 packets to homes there instead, hanging them on doors or gates. This 
year, the pandemic pushed that work back until May, meaning many homes 
only received written notice a few weeks ago.

Soto remains confident that response rates will climb once volunteers and census workers can get out more.

Kansas
 created committees across the state this year to loop neighborhood 
groups, pastors, doctors, educators and others who have the trust of 
their communities into the work of spreading the word.

“For a lot 
of the Latino communities,” she said, “schools are a really trusted 
voice. What the school says, they know that it's going to be true and 
it's going to be reliable.”

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592834322694.png" alt="When the pandemic shut down campuses this spring, it complicated efforts to get accurate counts in college towns like Lawrence, Kansas. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>When the pandemic shut down campuses this spring, it complicated efforts to get accurate counts in college towns like Lawrence, Kansas. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-22/one-in-three-kansas-households-has-yet-to-fill-out-census">Kansas News Service</a>Amid a pandemic that has slowed efforts to count Americans, more than
 a third of Kansas households haven’t yet responded to the U.S. Census.In some counties, especially in rural areas, <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">less than half</a> of the population has filled out the forms that help steer <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/about-us/census/" target="_blank">billions</a> in federal dollars and resources to the state each year.One recent, high-profile example: Medical supplies that Kansas received from the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-06/kansas-is-looking-high-and-low-for-gear-to-protect-health-care-workers-from-covid-19" target="_blank">Strategic National Stockpile</a> to combat COVID-19 went out to counties based on their 2010 Census counts.As a whole, Kansas’ 65% rate so far is slightly ahead of the national response rate. But <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">participation</a> in the census varies dramatically so far, even within individual counties and towns.Take Dodge City. Some census tracts in the area have topped 75%. Others, in the town’s south, remain around 40% or 50%.Those
 areas include neighborhoods with lots of newcomers to the country, and 
lower-income areas such as mobile home parks, according to Blanca Soto.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592834405404.png" alt="Participation rates so far are higher in the north of Dodge City than the south. U.S. Census" />
 <figcaption>Participation rates so far are higher in the north of Dodge City than the south. U.S. Census</figcaption>
 </figure>Soto leads the push for census participation in the southwest part of
 the state for Kansas Appleseed, a group that focuses on poverty, access
 to food, and other issues.Though this year marks the first time people can <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond.html?cid=23756:census%20online:sem.ga:p:dm:en:&amp;utm_source=sem.ga&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_campaign=dm:en&amp;utm_content=23756&amp;utm_term=census%20online" target="_blank">fill out the Census online</a>,
 many families don’t have computers or smartphones. Others haven’t taken
 the U.S. Census before, and don’t know how the count works. Those with 
family members in the country illegally might be especially fearful.“With
 the immigrant community, trust (in) the government is a problem,” Soto 
said. “They don't really feel comfortable giving out their personal 
information, for fear that the information will be shared with 
immigration services or the police department.”By law, the Census Bureau must keep people’s responses <a href="https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/factsheets/2019/comm/2020-confidentiality-factsheet.pdf" target="_blank">confidential</a>. The information cannot be used by immigration or law enforcement agencies.The
 pandemic has postponed much of the work that grassroots groups and 
community leaders envisioned for promoting the census, forcing them to 
adapt.“Unfortunately, southwest Kansas is also one of the 
hotspots for COVID-19, which kind of complicates our work,” she said. 
“We are kind of just waiting for it to be pretty safe to go out in 
person, to talk to families and the community.”Thousands of cases of coronavirus have been linked to Kansas <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-each-other" target="_blank">meatpacking plants</a>, mostly in the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">state’s southwest</a> corner.When
 coronavirus shut schools down, Kansas Appleseed put explainers and 
stickers about the census into the lunches that many families still 
picked up each day.The group has also taken to the airwaves on popular Spanish-speaking radio programs, and released videos in other key languages — such as Arabic, Somali and K’iche’ (a Mayan language from central America).Other hard-to-count groups include very young children, military families and college students.College
 students should count where they live during the school year, says 
Emily Kelley, who coordinates outreach work for the U.S. Census Bureau 
in Kansas and Oklahoma.Normally, census workers go door to door 
in college communities during the spring semester to help make sure that
 happens. COVID-19 not only threw a wrench in face-to-face visits, she 
said, it also meant many students didn’t return to their college towns 
after spring break.“K-State students comprise almost half of the 
population in the city of Manhattan,” Kelley said. “So making sure we 
count them is really, really important.”The Census Bureau wants college students to fill out their forms with the address they would have occupied on April 1, had the pandemic not shut down their schools.Kansas receives billions of dollars each year tied to census figures.More than <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/counting-dollars-2020-role-decennial-census-geographic-distribution-federal-funds" target="_blank">300 federal programs</a>
 rely on the Census Bureau’s decennial count to guide spending, 
including dozens aimed at supporting rural communities. It steers 
dollars for everything from water and road infrastructure to libraries.George
 Washington University researchers looked at a handful of major health 
programs — including insurance for children — for 2015. It pegged <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/GWIPP%20Reamer%20Fiscal%20Impacts%20of%20Census%20Undercount%20on%20FMAP-based%20Programs%2003-19-18.pdf" target="_blank">the stakes for Kansas</a> at about $30 million in annual lost funds for each 1% of the population that goes uncounted.“We
 hoped we would be over 80% response rate at this time.” said Wendi 
Stark, who coordinates census outreach efforts for the League of Kansas 
Municipalities. The pandemic forced them to rethink. “Our goal is to 
make sure that we have over 80 percent by July 31.”In August, 
census workers will fan out to homes that haven’t replied. The more 
people reply by phone or mail, or online, the less knocking those 
workers will have to do amid a pandemic.Census workers will keep knocking on doors through October.Many
 rural areas with low response rates in Kansas depend heavily on P.O. 
boxes for mail delivery. That complicates matters because census workers
 <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/director/2010/03/what-if-you-usually-receive-your-mail-at-a-post-office-box-but-didnt-get-a-census-form.html" target="_blank">had to hand-deliver</a>
 packets to homes there instead, hanging them on doors or gates. This 
year, the pandemic pushed that work back until May, meaning many homes 
only received written notice a few weeks ago.Soto remains confident that response rates will climb once volunteers and census workers can get out more.Kansas
 created committees across the state this year to loop neighborhood 
groups, pastors, doctors, educators and others who have the trust of 
their communities into the work of spreading the word.“For a lot 
of the Latino communities,” she said, “schools are a really trusted 
voice. What the school says, they know that it's going to be true and 
it's going to be reliable.”Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

One in three Kansas households has yet to fill out census

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 406 to a total of 12,465, 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 406 to a total of 12,465, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 259<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/2020/6/1592845518570.png" alt="Monday June 22, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday June 22, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SALINE COUNTY— A Kansas man who went fishing Friday evening was found dead Sunday morning near a log jam in the Solomon River.

Wayne Jones, 67, of Solomon, had walked to the Solomon River south of town to fish, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

When he didn't return home on Saturday, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office was called, Soldan said.

Dickinson County investigators found Jones' tackle box on Saturday. Because the area where the tackle box was located was in the vacinity of the county line, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office called the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Saturday night, Soldan said.

On Sunday morning, the Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad joined the search and located Jones' body floating near a log jam in the Solomon River, Soldan said.

Authorities believe Jones slipped on the steep bank and was not able to climb back out of the river, according to Soldan.

SALINE COUNTY— A Kansas man who went fishing Friday evening was found dead Sunday morning near a log jam in the Solomon River.Wayne Jones, 67, of Solomon, had walked to the Solomon River south of town to fish, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.When he didn't return home on Saturday, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office was called, Soldan said.Dickinson County investigators found Jones' tackle box on Saturday. Because the area where the tackle box was located was in the vacinity of the county line, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office called the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Saturday night, Soldan said.On Sunday morning, the Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad joined the search and located Jones' body floating near a log jam in the Solomon River, Soldan said.Authorities believe Jones slipped on the steep bank and was not able to climb back out of the river, according to Soldan.

Sheriff: Kansas man dies after accident while fishing

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — More than 200 employees at the former Sprint headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas, have been laid off just two months after the company merged with T-Mobile.

A June 17 notification to regulators shows T-Mobile cut 241 positions at the headquarters.

A federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dc8998c367a04163fe1fac0e94f7094b">approved the merger&nbsp;</a>in February and it was officially closed in April.

T-Mobile, based in suburban Seattle, said at the time of the merger that it would keep a secondary headquarters in Overland Park. T-Mobile also said the merger would create thousands of new jobs across the country.

The company said in a statement to The Star that it still plans to hire for 5,000 new positions in the next year. T-Mobile said it was studying the merged company to ensure it focuses its resources to best serve its customers.

“As part of this process, some employees who hold similar positions are being asked to consider a career change inside the company, and others will be supported in their efforts to find a new position outside the company,” the statement said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592837890137.png" alt="Photo courtesy T-Mobile" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy T-Mobile</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — More than 200 employees at the former Sprint headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas, have been laid off just two months after the company merged with T-Mobile.A June 17 notification to regulators shows T-Mobile cut 241 positions at the headquarters.A federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dc8998c367a04163fe1fac0e94f7094b">approved the merger&nbsp;</a>in February and it was officially closed in April.T-Mobile, based in suburban Seattle, said at the time of the merger that it would keep a secondary headquarters in Overland Park. T-Mobile also said the merger would create thousands of new jobs across the country.The company said in a statement to The Star that it still plans to hire for 5,000 new positions in the next year. T-Mobile said it was studying the merged company to ensure it focuses its resources to best serve its customers.“As part of this process, some employees who hold similar positions are being asked to consider a career change inside the company, and others will be supported in their efforts to find a new position outside the company,” the statement said.

Following merger, T-Mobile lays off employees in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after the&nbsp;recovery of multiple stolen firearms.

On Saturday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 5300 block of S. Topeka boulevard on a report of a domestic disturbance, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

A woman told deputies she was in an argument with her boyfriend who had left the area.&nbsp; Deputies located him in the 1000 block of SE 77th.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the investigation of the incident, deputies found multiple stolen firearms in a vehicle the couple were driving.&nbsp;&nbsp;Deputies seized 28 firearms that were reported stolen out of Rolla, Missouri and arrested Darrin Fultz, 34, of Rolla, Missouri for possession of stolen property and drug violations.&nbsp;

Deputies also arrested Amanda Bushan, 30, of Rolla, MO, for alleged drug violations.

The Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the Rolla Police Department on the case, according to Stallbaumer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592832836530.png" alt="Fultz photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Fultz photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after the&nbsp;recovery of multiple stolen firearms.On Saturday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 5300 block of S. Topeka boulevard on a report of a domestic disturbance, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.A woman told deputies she was in an argument with her boyfriend who had left the area.&nbsp; Deputies located him in the 1000 block of SE 77th.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the investigation of the incident, deputies found multiple stolen firearms in a vehicle the couple were driving.&nbsp;&nbsp;Deputies seized 28 firearms that were reported stolen out of Rolla, Missouri and arrested Darrin Fultz, 34, of Rolla, Missouri for possession of stolen property and drug violations.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592832926076.png" alt="Bushan photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Bushan photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies also arrested Amanda Bushan, 30, of Rolla, MO, for alleged drug violations. The Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the Rolla Police Department on the case, according to Stallbaumer.

Kan. deputies find 28 stolen firearms during investigation

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-19/in-kansas-an-underfunded-mental-health-system-relies-on-police-for-help">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — Activists and citizens in Kansas 
communities from Dodge City to the Kansas City suburbs are reconsidering
 the involvement of police in their communities — including whether 
officers should continue to help respond to mental health crises.

What
 that response looks like is drastically different depending on 
population density. But Kansas mental health workers say officers are an
 essential and unavoidable part of an underfunded system. Police are 
often responsible for keeping mental health workers safe on calls, 
bringing in people who are experiencing a crisis or finding them when 
responding to reports of domestic violence or other disturbances.

“We
 have a very close relationship with law enforcement in all three 
counties (we serve),” said Keith Rickard, executive director of the 
Guidance Center, a community mental health center in northeast Kansas 
with locations in Leavenworth, Atchison and Oskaloosa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592602417525.png" alt="Police are often first responders to mental health calls in Kansas. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Police are often first responders to mental health calls in Kansas. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-19/in-kansas-an-underfunded-mental-health-system-relies-on-police-for-help">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE — Activists and citizens in Kansas 
communities from Dodge City to the Kansas City suburbs are reconsidering
 the involvement of police in their communities — including whether 
officers should continue to help respond to mental health crises.What
 that response looks like is drastically different depending on 
population density. But Kansas mental health workers say officers are an
 essential and unavoidable part of an underfunded system. Police are 
often responsible for keeping mental health workers safe on calls, 
bringing in people who are experiencing a crisis or finding them when 
responding to reports of domestic violence or other disturbances.“We
 have a very close relationship with law enforcement in all three 
counties (we serve),” said Keith Rickard, executive director of the 
Guidance Center, a community mental health center in northeast Kansas 
with locations in Leavenworth, Atchison and Oskaloosa.For mental 
health providers, a crisis is defined as anything needing immediate 
attention. Caring for people going through those experiences involves 
getting them to calm down, making sure they’re safe, figuring out what’s
 wrong and connecting them with long-term care — whether that’s 
hospitalization, therapy or addiction treatment.The crises 
themselves look different, too: It could be a person going off of 
psychiatric medication and having delusions and hallucinations, someone 
threatening to hurt herself or other people, and someone getting so sick
 he can’t take care of himself properly.The Guidance Center 
employs only a few people who specialize in crisis response. And it’s 
easy for them to burn out, Rickard said, especially with the state’s 
shortage of social workers, therapists and other mental health 
providers.“Crisis work is trauma-inducing,” he said. “Right now, we just kind of work them day in and day out. And it’s very unfortunate.”<h2>Who provides help</h2>For
 many people going through a mental health crisis in Kansas, their first
 interaction for help will be a police officer, EMT or emergency room 
nurse.But seeing a mental health provider first can make a big 
difference, reducing the rate of future suicide attempts, 
hospitalizations and incarcerations, according to Andy Brown, the 
behavioral health commissioner for the Kansas Department for Aging and 
Disability Services.“The difference of having a qualified mental 
health professional arriving at your house when you’re in a crisis 
versus having a law enforcement officer or an EMT is pretty 
significant,” he said.But smaller, more rural Kansas communities 
have few resources for people who are going through a crisis, Brown 
said. His agency helps provide mental health services throughout the 
state, which has 26 community mental health centers for Kansas’ 105 
counties.Most centers are privately operated nonprofits funded by
 a combination of grants and local, county and state tax dollars. A few 
are operated by local governments.Many of the smaller centers contract with a private company to provide a <a href="https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/behavioral-health/consumers-and-families/cmhc-24-hour-crisis-lines" target="_blank">24-hour crisis hotline</a>, and callers might receive a check-up from police if they seem like they’re in imminent danger.Some
 cities, like Hays, Manhattan and Kansas City, Kansas, have crisis 
stabilization centers dedicated solely to serving people who need 
immediate mental health care. These centers are safe places for people 
to get treatment without taking up an emergency room bed, Brown said, 
and also reduce interactions with police.Like other mental health
 services, not every person in Kansas has access to a crisis 
stabilization center. One possible solution, Brown said, is to create a 
statewide mobile response team that travels to patients directly. The 
caveat: The state doesn’t have enough funding to make that a reality, he
 said.“About half the state of Kansas is still either considered 
rural or frontier,” Brown said. “There is a logistical issue just around
 the geographical distance.”<h2>Police training</h2>Mental
 health training for police in Kansas also varies. Some don’t get 
extensive training, while others invest in a program called Crisis 
Intervention Training, which lasts several hours.Sgt. Jason 
Hinkle with the Lenexa Police Department said it’s a type of “mental 
health first aid,” focusing on de-escalating tense situations, 
communication skills and quick decision-making.Officers work closely with the Johnson County Mental Health Center, said Hinkle, who is also chairman of the <a href="http://www.kansascit.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team Council</a>.“To
 lower their emotion and raise their rational thinking, that is our 
Number One goal,” he said of people who are going through a mental 
health crisis. “I absolutely am convinced that it's made for safer 
outcomes.”More than half of the officers in the Lenexa Police 
Department have been trained in crisis intervention, he said. But the 
amount of trained officers in any given department can vary.Many 
towns don’t have the resources to pay for the training, and KDADS has 
trained about 75 officers in rural communities in the past year.While some activists pushing for police reform have suggested that officers no longer respond to <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/long-before-defund-the-police-mental-health-advocates-have-been-redefining-public-safety-2020-06-11" target="_blank">mental health calls</a>,
 Hinkle believes it’s unrealistic. The majority of people with mental 
illnesses are not violent, he said, but officers are necessary to keep 
mental health providers safe in case someone behaves violently or there 
are weapons in a house.“The Number One issue, before you can even
 get a clinician involved in a crisis call, is making sure the scene is 
safe,” he said. “It needs to be controlled before somebody gets hurt... 
When we’re going to these things, that’s why there can be violence.”Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas
 News Service. You can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow
 her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.