First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been charged in a crash that killed a longtime Wichita radio personality. 

On Friday, 43-year-old Ray Anthony Watkins was charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence in the April 29 death of 70-year-old Don Hall, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's office.

The felony carries a sentence of 3 to 14 years in prison, according to an email from District Attorney Marc Bennett.

 Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal traffic crash and have made an arrest.

Just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury accident at Kellogg and Rock Road, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 70-year-old Donald Hall of Wichita in critical condition and pinned inside of his vehicle.&nbsp;

Wichita Fire Department crews removed Hall from the vehicle &nbsp;and he was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson. &nbsp;Hall was a longtime Wichita radio host and Wichita State University basketball announcer, according to Hall’s employer, Entercom Communications.

The investigation revealed a 2000 Lincoln driven by Ray Watkins, 43, Wichita, was southbound on Rock Road and collided with an eastbound 2012 Lincoln that had exited onto Kellogg Drive to turn north on Rock Road.

It appears at this time that Watkins ran a red light before colliding with Hall, according to Davidson.

Based on evidence found in Watkins’ vehicle and on his person, alcohol, and drugs are believed to be a factor in the accident. &nbsp;

Watkins was contacted at the scene with minor injuries and was arrested without incident on requested charges of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.

Watkins has been previously arrested and convicted of a charge of aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

“This is a very sad and tragic case,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said.&nbsp; “Don was a big part of the Wichita community for many years. He will be missed.&nbsp; WPD continues its thoughts and prayers for the Hall family and all those affected by this unfortunate incident.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588158119316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCHSEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been charged in a crash that killed a longtime Wichita radio personality. On Friday, 43-year-old Ray Anthony Watkins was charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence in the April 29 death of 70-year-old Don Hall, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's office.The felony carries a sentence of 3 to 14 years in prison, according to an email from District Attorney Marc Bennett.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588182421819.png" alt="Watkins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Watkins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure> Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.-----------SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal traffic crash and have made an arrest.Just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury accident at Kellogg and Rock Road, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 70-year-old Donald Hall of Wichita in critical condition and pinned inside of his vehicle.&nbsp;Wichita Fire Department crews removed Hall from the vehicle &nbsp;and he was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson. &nbsp;Hall was a longtime Wichita radio host and Wichita State University basketball announcer, according to Hall’s employer, Entercom Communications.The investigation revealed a 2000 Lincoln driven by Ray Watkins, 43, Wichita, was southbound on Rock Road and collided with an eastbound 2012 Lincoln that had exited onto Kellogg Drive to turn north on Rock Road.It appears at this time that Watkins ran a red light before colliding with Hall, according to Davidson.Based on evidence found in Watkins’ vehicle and on his person, alcohol, and drugs are believed to be a factor in the accident. &nbsp;Watkins was contacted at the scene with minor injuries and was arrested without incident on requested charges of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.Watkins has been previously arrested and convicted of a charge of aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.“This is a very sad and tragic case,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said.&nbsp; “Don was a big part of the Wichita community for many years. He will be missed.&nbsp; WPD continues its thoughts and prayers for the Hall family and all those affected by this unfortunate incident.”

Man charged in crash that killed longtime Kan. radio personality

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man accused of firing a gun at police during civil unrest last week has been charged with more than 20 counts in the case. 

Television station KAKE reports that 28-year-old Henry Parker made his first appearance in court earlier this week. 

Police say he fired multiple shots at police during civil unrest on a Wichita street following protests on June 1. None of the officers was shot, but police say one officer’s helmet was hit by bullet pieces that had ricocheted near the officers. 

Parker is charged with two counts of aggravated battery of an officer, 19 counts of aggravated assault of an officer and a weapons count.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591210505871.png" alt="Wichita police camera view of the shooting" />
 <figcaption>Wichita police camera view of the shooting</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man accused of firing a gun at police during civil unrest last week has been charged with more than 20 counts in the case. Television station KAKE reports that 28-year-old Henry Parker made his first appearance in court earlier this week. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591371389592.png" alt="Parker photo Sedgwick Co" />
 <figcaption>Parker photo Sedgwick Co</figcaption>
 </figure>Police say he fired multiple shots at police during civil unrest on a Wichita street following protests on June 1. None of the officers was shot, but police say one officer’s helmet was hit by bullet pieces that had ricocheted near the officers. Parker is charged with two counts of aggravated battery of an officer, 19 counts of aggravated assault of an officer and a weapons count.

Kan. man charged with firing on officers during protest march violence

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. Friday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Gage Thomas Phelps, 41, Joplin, was eastbound on U.S. 166 one mile east of U.S. 400. 

The Chevy crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound 1999 International semi driven by Jeremy L. Johnston, 40, Winfield, Missouri.

Phelps was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. EMS transported Johnston to the hospital in Joplin.

Phelps was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. Friday in Cherokee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Gage Thomas Phelps, 41, Joplin, was eastbound on U.S. 166 one mile east of U.S. 400. The Chevy crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound 1999 International semi driven by Jeremy L. Johnston, 40, Winfield, Missouri.Phelps was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. EMS transported Johnston to the hospital in Joplin.Phelps was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Man dies after head-on crash with semi in Kansas 

SUMNER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office have identified the woman whose body was recovered from the Ninnescah River.

Pending DNA confirmation, authorities have identified the victim as 27-year-old Shalan Niccole Gannon, of Wichita, according to a media release from the KBI.

Gannon was reported missing to the Wichita Police Department on April 11.

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 7, Sumner County emergency personnel recovered Gannon’s body in the Ninnescah River near 130th Avenue North and North West Road, after a fisherman called 911 to report the discovery.

The Wichita Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Butler County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting the KBI and Sumner County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Wichita - Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591985077348.png" alt="Shalan Niccole Gannon" />
 <figcaption>Shalan Niccole Gannon</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office have identified the woman whose body was recovered from the Ninnescah River.Pending DNA confirmation, authorities have identified the victim as 27-year-old Shalan Niccole Gannon, of Wichita, according to a media release from the KBI.Gannon was reported missing to the Wichita Police Department on April 11.On the afternoon of Sunday, June 7, Sumner County emergency personnel recovered Gannon’s body in the Ninnescah River near 130th Avenue North and North West Road, after a fisherman called 911 to report the discovery.The Wichita Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Butler County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting the KBI and Sumner County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Wichita - Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111.

KBI IDs body found in river as missing Kansas woman

By CORINNE BOYER <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/tax-backed-sports-complex-western-kansas-hold-over-devlopers-lawsuit">Kansas News Service</a>

GARDEN CITY — A legal dispute between two 
business partners has stalled the construction of a sports complex 
partially funded by $25.4 million in sales tax money.

That fight over finances, and the pending lawsuit it spawned, could jeopardize the completion of <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/kansas-bets-wrestling-tournaments-pickleball-and-trampolines-25-million-bonds">Sports of the World</a>.
 The project is financed by Kansas Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, or STAR 
bonds, and championed as a regional tourist draw for western Kansas.

“It’s
 currently on hold pending the kind of resolution of some litigation 
between the two ... partners that are involved in the Sports of the 
World project,” said Bob North, the chief counsel for the Kansas 
Department of Commerce.

Payments to the development company 
building Sports of the World, GC Investments Inc., have also stopped, 
said Garden City Manager Matt Allen.

“We’ve temporarily suspended
 reimbursement of the project until we get some word otherwise from the 
two parties of GC Investments Inc. and through their attorneys,” Allen 
said.

GC Investments estimated that the sports complex would be 
built by late 2021. But the lawsuit between the developers leaves the 
project hanging in the balance. Despite the delays, state and local 
officials say they’re optimistic that one of two partners will complete 
the complex — although it’s not certain that either partner will do so.

The
 sports complex has been touted as a way to draw visitors from Texas, 
Oklahoma and Colorado with indoor soccer fields, a trampoline park and 
volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts. The developers and the 
state commerce department estimate that the complex will see more than 
one million visitors a year.

In October 2019, the commerce 
department approved another STAR bond proposal for a sports complex in 
Overland Park. Up to $66 million in bonds could be issued for the 
project, which is projected to bring in 1.7 to 2.5 million new visitors 
to the city annually, according to the 2019 STAR Bond Annual <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-STAR-Bonds-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf">Report</a>.

On
 April 13, CAIRO of Western Kansas — a business registered with Garden 
City resident Cecil O’Brate — filed a lawsuit against Amro Samy and his 
construction company American Warrior Construction. Both O’Brate and 
Samy own GC Investments and share ownership of several additional 
companies named in the lawsuit.

In the lawsuit, CAIRO accuses 
Samy of making “unauthorized payments” to American Warrior Construction 
from their jointly owned businesses. It also claims the construction 
company charged “an additional percentage on top of the invoices” sent 
to businesses Samy jointly owns with CAIRO. The business is asking for a
 judgment against Samy of more than $75,000.

CAIRO’s attorney’s 
office said it cannot comment on pending litigation. Calls to Samy and 
his attorneys were not returned. An American Warrior Construction 
employee said Samy was not commenting on anything related to Sports of 
the World.

American Warrior Construction held a groundbreaking 
ceremony for Sports of the World in November 2019. It drew Gov. Laura 
Kelly, Commerce Secretary David Toland, the Finney County Economic 
Development Corporation and county and local officials.

Between 
March 2019 and February 2020, GC Investments submitted $6.6 million in 
disbursement requests to the City of Garden City. The bulk of the costs 
were tied to construction done by American Warrior Construction. The 
construction company last shared a Sports of the World construction 
update on its Facebook page in February.

According to a 
Certificate of Project Costs maintained by Garden City, $18.7 million in
 STAR bond funding remains. If GC Investments defaults on the <a href="https://npr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/legacy/sites/kcur/files/sports_of_the_world_-_development_agreement__signed_.pdf">development agreement</a>, it could be on the hook for the STAR bond money that it already spent if the city pursued legal action.

“However,
 at this point, GC Investments Inc. is still an active entity and both 
partners that make up the corporation have indicated to us a desire to 
complete the project,” Allen said in an email. He also estimates that 
site preparation work stopped in March.

North anticipates that 
one of the development partners will continue building the complex. In 
an email North said, “Right now it appears a default is unlikely.”

“Both
 the principals and their companies have a solid reputation, and that’s 
why the project was approved in the first place,” he said. “We look 
forward to working with whichever entity it’s decided is going to 
complete the project.”

If that doesn’t happen, the commerce department will look for another developer.

“But
 the important thing from the state’s perspective is that there will be a
 developer and the project will be able to go forward,” the state 
commerce official said.

Garden City Mayor Troy Unruh said he wasn’t aware the project had been suspended.

“The
 city does hold the funds for the STAR (Bond) district, and then they 
can only release them based upon reviewed and approved expenditures,” 
Unruh said. “So I do think we have good oversight in place.”

Architectural and engineering work has been done and dirt has been hauled to the site.

In
 the past, lawmakers have raised concerns about STAR Bond oversight. A 
new law went into effect last year that requires the commerce department
 to list state programs that issue more than $50,000 in economic 
development funds — though it doesn’t yet include STAR Bonds.

Between 2021 and 2023, the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit will <a href="https://www.kslpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Eco-Devo-Audit-Proposal.pdf">evaluate</a> some economic development incentive programs. STAR bonds is one of nine programs on the list.

North said projects have been delayed before, but not due to a legal dispute.

“I
 can’t think of a circumstance that is identical to this one, but 
definitely there have been other projects that have had delays,” he 
said. In past cases, he said, “either there’s difficulty getting 
financing or one of the component developers might have backed out of 
the project.”

Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer"> @corinne_boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591983669715.png" alt=" The Sports of the World site in Garden City, Kansas. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> The Sports of the World site in Garden City, Kansas. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CORINNE BOYER <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/tax-backed-sports-complex-western-kansas-hold-over-devlopers-lawsuit">Kansas News Service</a>GARDEN CITY — A legal dispute between two 
business partners has stalled the construction of a sports complex 
partially funded by $25.4 million in sales tax money.That fight over finances, and the pending lawsuit it spawned, could jeopardize the completion of <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/kansas-bets-wrestling-tournaments-pickleball-and-trampolines-25-million-bonds">Sports of the World</a>.
 The project is financed by Kansas Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, or STAR 
bonds, and championed as a regional tourist draw for western Kansas.“It’s
 currently on hold pending the kind of resolution of some litigation 
between the two ... partners that are involved in the Sports of the 
World project,” said Bob North, the chief counsel for the Kansas 
Department of Commerce.Payments to the development company 
building Sports of the World, GC Investments Inc., have also stopped, 
said Garden City Manager Matt Allen.“We’ve temporarily suspended
 reimbursement of the project until we get some word otherwise from the 
two parties of GC Investments Inc. and through their attorneys,” Allen 
said.GC Investments estimated that the sports complex would be 
built by late 2021. But the lawsuit between the developers leaves the 
project hanging in the balance. Despite the delays, state and local 
officials say they’re optimistic that one of two partners will complete 
the complex — although it’s not certain that either partner will do so.The
 sports complex has been touted as a way to draw visitors from Texas, 
Oklahoma and Colorado with indoor soccer fields, a trampoline park and 
volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts. The developers and the 
state commerce department estimate that the complex will see more than 
one million visitors a year.In October 2019, the commerce 
department approved another STAR bond proposal for a sports complex in 
Overland Park. Up to $66 million in bonds could be issued for the 
project, which is projected to bring in 1.7 to 2.5 million new visitors 
to the city annually, according to the 2019 STAR Bond Annual <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-STAR-Bonds-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf">Report</a>.On
 April 13, CAIRO of Western Kansas — a business registered with Garden 
City resident Cecil O’Brate — filed a lawsuit against Amro Samy and his 
construction company American Warrior Construction. Both O’Brate and 
Samy own GC Investments and share ownership of several additional 
companies named in the lawsuit.In the lawsuit, CAIRO accuses 
Samy of making “unauthorized payments” to American Warrior Construction 
from their jointly owned businesses. It also claims the construction 
company charged “an additional percentage on top of the invoices” sent 
to businesses Samy jointly owns with CAIRO. The business is asking for a
 judgment against Samy of more than $75,000.CAIRO’s attorney’s 
office said it cannot comment on pending litigation. Calls to Samy and 
his attorneys were not returned. An American Warrior Construction 
employee said Samy was not commenting on anything related to Sports of 
the World.American Warrior Construction held a groundbreaking 
ceremony for Sports of the World in November 2019. It drew Gov. Laura 
Kelly, Commerce Secretary David Toland, the Finney County Economic 
Development Corporation and county and local officials.Between 
March 2019 and February 2020, GC Investments submitted $6.6 million in 
disbursement requests to the City of Garden City. The bulk of the costs 
were tied to construction done by American Warrior Construction. The 
construction company last shared a Sports of the World construction 
update on its Facebook page in February.According to a 
Certificate of Project Costs maintained by Garden City, $18.7 million in
 STAR bond funding remains. If GC Investments defaults on the <a href="https://npr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/legacy/sites/kcur/files/sports_of_the_world_-_development_agreement__signed_.pdf">development agreement</a>, it could be on the hook for the STAR bond money that it already spent if the city pursued legal action.“However,
 at this point, GC Investments Inc. is still an active entity and both 
partners that make up the corporation have indicated to us a desire to 
complete the project,” Allen said in an email. He also estimates that 
site preparation work stopped in March.North anticipates that 
one of the development partners will continue building the complex. In 
an email North said, “Right now it appears a default is unlikely.”“Both
 the principals and their companies have a solid reputation, and that’s 
why the project was approved in the first place,” he said. “We look 
forward to working with whichever entity it’s decided is going to 
complete the project.”If that doesn’t happen, the commerce department will look for another developer.“But
 the important thing from the state’s perspective is that there will be a
 developer and the project will be able to go forward,” the state 
commerce official said.Garden City Mayor Troy Unruh said he wasn’t aware the project had been suspended.“The
 city does hold the funds for the STAR (Bond) district, and then they 
can only release them based upon reviewed and approved expenditures,” 
Unruh said. “So I do think we have good oversight in place.”Architectural and engineering work has been done and dirt has been hauled to the site.In
 the past, lawmakers have raised concerns about STAR Bond oversight. A 
new law went into effect last year that requires the commerce department
 to list state programs that issue more than $50,000 in economic 
development funds — though it doesn’t yet include STAR Bonds.Between 2021 and 2023, the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit will <a href="https://www.kslpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Eco-Devo-Audit-Proposal.pdf">evaluate</a> some economic development incentive programs. STAR bonds is one of nine programs on the list.North said projects have been delayed before, but not due to a legal dispute.“I
 can’t think of a circumstance that is identical to this one, but 
definitely there have been other projects that have had delays,” he 
said. In past cases, he said, “either there’s difficulty getting 
financing or one of the component developers might have backed out of 
the project.”Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer"> @corinne_boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org.

Garden City sports complex on hold over developers' lawsuit 

LOGAN – One person was arrested after a domestic incident turned into a vehicle rampage in downtown Logan on Wednesday.

The Phillips County Sheriff's Office reported Joan D. Baird, 58, Prairie View, was taken into custody after allegedly ramming another car repeatedly on Main Street. The incident was captured on video and provided to Hays Post courtesy of the Phillips County Review.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u3pAqYOOokk"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Video&nbsp;courtesy of the Phillips County Review</figcaption>
 </figure>LOGAN – One person was arrested after a domestic incident turned into a vehicle rampage in downtown Logan on Wednesday.The Phillips County Sheriff's Office reported Joan D. Baird, 58, Prairie View, was taken into custody after allegedly ramming another car repeatedly on Main Street. The incident was captured on video and provided to Hays Post courtesy of the Phillips County Review.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fplsoks%2Fposts%2F2673315662991275&width=500" width="500" height="743" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

🎥 Woman arrested following vehicle rampage in NW Kansas

WICHITA —Former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer passed away Friday morning, according to a statement from his family. He was 63.

Brewer served as mayor of Wichita from 2007 to 2015.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2018, he ran in the democrat primary for Kansas governor, a race he lost to Laura Kelly.

In a statement from the governor's office, Laura Kelly wrote, “I was deeply saddened to hear of Carl's untimely passing this morning. Carl was an outstanding Mayor, served for more than two decades in the Kansas National Guard, and was a strong supporter of the Kansas Labor community. I have no doubt the impact of his contributions to our state will be felt for generations to come. &nbsp;

“I’m also grateful for his service in my administration, both during our transition, and later when he played an integral role on the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform.

“Carl truly embodied all of the best qualities of what it means to be a Kansan, and he will be dearly missed.”

There are no details available for a memorial service, according to the family.&nbsp;

WICHITA —Former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer passed away Friday morning, according to a statement from his family. He was 63.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Mayor Carl Brewer. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. He was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him. City facilities will put their flags at half mast in his honor. <a href="https://t.co/02aHiqU2aJ">pic.twitter.com/02aHiqU2aJ</a>&mdash; City of Wichita (@CityofWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofWichita/status/1271471867971452928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Brewer served as mayor of Wichita from 2007 to 2015.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2018, he ran in the democrat primary for Kansas governor, a race he lost to Laura Kelly.In a statement from the governor's office, Laura Kelly wrote, “I was deeply saddened to hear of Carl's untimely passing this morning. Carl was an outstanding Mayor, served for more than two decades in the Kansas National Guard, and was a strong supporter of the Kansas Labor community. I have no doubt the impact of his contributions to our state will be felt for generations to come. &nbsp;“I’m also grateful for his service in my administration, both during our transition, and later when he played an integral role on the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform.“Carl truly embodied all of the best qualities of what it means to be a Kansan, and he will be dearly missed.”There are no details available for a memorial service, according to the family.&nbsp;

Former Wichita mayor, candidate for governor Carl Brewer has died

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 235 to a total of 11,047, the state health department reported Friday 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 235 to a total of 11,047, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 243<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/2020/6/1591981300671.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Frey Street in Great Bend in reference to a report of shots fired. 

Upon arrival to the scene, officers contacted several witnesses to the event. They reported that a known male suspect was driving a semi-gold colored pickup truck southbound on Frey. 

This known suspect later identified as Josh Prieto then stopped the vehicle in the 1100 block of Frey, exited the vehicle and began shooting with a semi-automatic handgun at two civilians standing in the yard at 1102 Frey, according to police.

He fired multiple times. Police collected as evidence in excess of 20 shell casings in the area. Prieto then entered the vehicle again and made a U-Turn in the 1100 block of Frey, drove northbound on Frey and then fled the scene westbound on 12th Street. 

The two subjects who were in the front yard of the residence at the time were not injured. 

During the crime scene investigation, it was learned that several of the fired rounds had entered and exited the residence at 1102 Frey and then entered a second building located at 1024 Frey. 

Based on eyewitness accounts, the suspect was identified as Joshua Prieto. 

Great Bend Police Officers later located Prieto and suspect vehicle at a residence in the 1500 block of 8th Street. 

Police arrested Prieto on requested charges of attempted murder in the first degree, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, criminal damage to property and possession of marijuana. Upon a search of the vehicle, police located marijuana was located inside.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591972715588.png" alt="Josh Prieto" />
 <figcaption>Josh Prieto</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Frey Street in Great Bend in reference to a report of shots fired. Upon arrival to the scene, officers contacted several witnesses to the event. They reported that a known male suspect was driving a semi-gold colored pickup truck southbound on Frey. This known suspect later identified as Josh Prieto then stopped the vehicle in the 1100 block of Frey, exited the vehicle and began shooting with a semi-automatic handgun at two civilians standing in the yard at 1102 Frey, according to police.He fired multiple times. Police collected as evidence in excess of 20 shell casings in the area. Prieto then entered the vehicle again and made a U-Turn in the 1100 block of Frey, drove northbound on Frey and then fled the scene westbound on 12th Street. The two subjects who were in the front yard of the residence at the time were not injured. During the crime scene investigation, it was learned that several of the fired rounds had entered and exited the residence at 1102 Frey and then entered a second building located at 1024 Frey. Based on eyewitness accounts, the suspect was identified as Joshua Prieto. Great Bend Police Officers later located Prieto and suspect vehicle at a residence in the 1500 block of 8th Street. Police arrested Prieto on requested charges of attempted murder in the first degree, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, criminal damage to property and possession of marijuana. Upon a search of the vehicle, police located marijuana was located inside.&nbsp;

Police: Man jailed after drive-by shooting in Great Bend

DALLAS (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday he would pursue an executive order to encourage police departments to meet “current professional standards for the use of force," while accusing Democrats of broadly branding police as the problem.

He also defended his calls on governors and mayors to aggressively quell violent protests that erupted across the country after the death of George Floyd, boasting, “We’re dominating the street with compassion."

Trump offered few details about the yet-to-be-formalized order during a discussion on race relations and policing before a friendly audience in Dallas. The call for establishing a national use-of-force standard amounted to his first concrete proposal for police reform in response to the national outcry following Floyd's death in a violent encounter with Minneapolis police.

The president also acknowledged that law enforcement may have some “bad apples," but he said it is unfair to broadly paint police officers as bigots.

“We have to work together to confront bigotry and prejudice wherever they appear," Trump said. “But we’ll make no progress and heal no wounds by falsely labeling tens of millions of decent Americans as racists or bigots."

The president said the nation also needs to bolster its efforts to confront its long-simmering racial relations problems by focusing on inequality, redoubling on his contention that solving economic issues is the fastest way to healing racial wounds.

He said his administration would aggressively pursue economic development in minority communities, confront health care disparities by investing “substantial sums” in minority-serving medical institutions, and improve school choice options.

Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown and Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot did not receive invitations to the event, according to their offices. Mayor Eric Johnson was invited but did not attend because of prior commitments, according to an aide.

A senior administration official who briefed reporters ahead of Trump's trip noted other law enforcement officials were in attendance but did not directly respond to a question about why the three officials weren't invited.

Trump filled the roundtable with police union officials and allies from the African American community, including a member of Black Voices for Trump — many who spoke glowingly about the president.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591973573667.png" alt="President Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion about "Transition to Greatness: Restoring, Rebuilding, and Renewing," at Gateway Church Dallas on Thursday" />
 <figcaption>President Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion about "Transition to Greatness: Restoring, Rebuilding, and Renewing," at Gateway Church Dallas on Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>DALLAS (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday he would pursue an executive order to encourage police departments to meet “current professional standards for the use of force," while accusing Democrats of broadly branding police as the problem.He also defended his calls on governors and mayors to aggressively quell violent protests that erupted across the country after the death of George Floyd, boasting, “We’re dominating the street with compassion."Trump offered few details about the yet-to-be-formalized order during a discussion on race relations and policing before a friendly audience in Dallas. The call for establishing a national use-of-force standard amounted to his first concrete proposal for police reform in response to the national outcry following Floyd's death in a violent encounter with Minneapolis police.The president also acknowledged that law enforcement may have some “bad apples," but he said it is unfair to broadly paint police officers as bigots.“We have to work together to confront bigotry and prejudice wherever they appear," Trump said. “But we’ll make no progress and heal no wounds by falsely labeling tens of millions of decent Americans as racists or bigots."The president said the nation also needs to bolster its efforts to confront its long-simmering racial relations problems by focusing on inequality, redoubling on his contention that solving economic issues is the fastest way to healing racial wounds.He said his administration would aggressively pursue economic development in minority communities, confront health care disparities by investing “substantial sums” in minority-serving medical institutions, and improve school choice options.Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown and Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot did not receive invitations to the event, according to their offices. Mayor Eric Johnson was invited but did not attend because of prior commitments, according to an aide.A senior administration official who briefed reporters ahead of Trump's trip noted other law enforcement officials were in attendance but did not directly respond to a question about why the three officials weren't invited.Trump filled the roundtable with police union officials and allies from the African American community, including a member of Black Voices for Trump — many who spoke glowingly about the president.

Trump says he'll pursue police use-of-force standard

TOPEKA —The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday remanded the case of a former Hays teacher convicted of child sex crimes back to a Saline County district court.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df2370d301f75059758e7ce">Brooke Dinkel, 38, who formerly taught in Hays and was a counselor at Smoky Valley Middle school in Lindsborg,</a>&nbsp;appealed her convictions from 2014. She was convicted of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 14.

"Most of Dinkel's claims related to her defense that the alleged victim — K.H. — raped her and that she continued the sexual contact because K.H. was blackmailing her and she had a mental disease or defect," the court said in its summary Friday.

"Writing for a unanimous Kansas Supreme Court, Justice Eric Rosen held a defendant's claim that he or she was forcibly raped is relevant to the crime rape of a child under the age of 14 because it negates the voluntary act requirement. The Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals and remanded the case to the district court with directions to hold a hearing on whether Dinkel's trial counsel was ineffective for failing to argue the State did not establish the voluntary act requirement. The Supreme Court retained jurisdiction of the case."

The complete decision can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/WcdJsxxDORfRBSC_nr423bAeCDMq8z77RtK-0N5T6h8">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591973490000.jpeg" alt="Dinkel photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Dinkel photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday remanded the case of a former Hays teacher convicted of child sex crimes back to a Saline County district court.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5df2370d301f75059758e7ce">Brooke Dinkel, 38, who formerly taught in Hays and was a counselor at Smoky Valley Middle school in Lindsborg,</a>&nbsp;appealed her convictions from 2014. She was convicted of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 14."Most of Dinkel's claims related to her defense that the alleged victim — K.H. — raped her and that she continued the sexual contact because K.H. was blackmailing her and she had a mental disease or defect," the court said in its summary Friday."Writing for a unanimous Kansas Supreme Court, Justice Eric Rosen held a defendant's claim that he or she was forcibly raped is relevant to the crime rape of a child under the age of 14 because it negates the voluntary act requirement. The Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals and remanded the case to the district court with directions to hold a hearing on whether Dinkel's trial counsel was ineffective for failing to argue the State did not establish the voluntary act requirement. The Supreme Court retained jurisdiction of the case."The complete decision can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/WcdJsxxDORfRBSC_nr423bAeCDMq8z77RtK-0N5T6h8">HERE</a>.

Case of former Kan. teacher convicted of sex crimes sent back to district court

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in the shooting death of another man last week in Kansas City, Kansas, police there said.

Tika Ram Sarki, of Kansas City, Kansas, is charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault in the June 4 shooting death of 26-year-old Narbu Tamang, police said in a news release.

Police were called to the scene of the shooting around 8 p.m. June 4 and found Tamang with gunshot injuries. He died at the scene.

Police have not detailed what led to the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591966820121.png" alt="Sarki" />
 <figcaption>Sarki</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in the shooting death of another man last week in Kansas City, Kansas, police there said.Tika Ram Sarki, of Kansas City, Kansas, is charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault in the June 4 shooting death of 26-year-old Narbu Tamang, police said in a news release.Police were called to the scene of the shooting around 8 p.m. June 4 and found Tamang with gunshot injuries. He died at the scene.Police have not detailed what led to the shooting.

Kansas man charged with shooting death in Kansas City

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health administrator said Thursday that the state has reached the point of being able to test 2% of its population for the novel coronavirus each month and plans to send a mobile lab to communities to help with testing.

Gov. Laura Kelly and Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health secretary, unveiled what the Department of Health and Environment described as the state’s first formal coronavirus testing strategy. It calls for testing 60,000 people each month through the end of the year, mapping the capacity of labs to handle test samples and assisting with local drive-through sites.

But Norman acknowledged that Thursday’s announcement, coming a little more than three months after Kansas confirmed its first case, amounts to a declaration that health officials are now confident that they will have enough supplies to sustain current testing. He and Kelly had previously complained that the state was struggling to get supplies.

“It allows us to implement the strategy we’ve wanted to do basically all along,” Norman said during a Statehouse news conference.

Norman and Kelly have long said their goal was to have Kansas test 2% of its population. The state has had nearly 124,000 tests since the pandemic began in early March, but 74% of them, or more than 92,000, have been done since May 1.

The White House told Kelly on April 20 that Kansas had capacity in state and private laboratories to test up to 6% of the population, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press through an open records request. The documents from the White House were based on information compiled by the White House’s coronavirus task force.

The state health department says Kansas had 10,812 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, up 1.5%, or 162, since Monday. The state also reported 240 COVID-19-related deaths since the pandemic reached Kansas in early March, while Johns Hopkins University reports 242 deaths.

Kelly imposed a statewide stay-at-home order from March 30 through May 3, then started a phased reopening of the state’s economy. She lifted all statewide restrictions on May 26 in favor of allowing the state’s 105 counties to decide the rules.

Since then, Kansas has continued to see cases and deaths increase, but the state’s statistics show a slowing down over time of increases in new cases, deaths and hospitalizations.

Norman said the state is finishing work on a van with a lab that can run coronavirus tests on samples. He said the plan is to send it first to Wyandotte County, an ongoing hotspot for cases, and Geary County, in northeast Kansas.

Meanwhile, a Catholic church in Wichita has temporarily closed after a priest tested positive for the coronavirus.

Matt Davied of the Church of the Magdalen said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/magdalenwichita/posts/2818082074907048" target="_blank">post&nbsp;</a>on the church’s Facebook page that he underwent testing after waking up feeling ill on Wednesday. He said he is now in isolation. Since the priests live together in the rectory, a second priest is in quarantine.

All Masses at the church have been suspended and live streams will be temporarily discontinued,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/living/religion/article243440036.html" target="_blank">reports&nbsp;</a>The Wichita Eagle.

Among the outbreaks is one that has infected 14 residents and eight staff members at Diversicare of Haysville, the Wichita area nursing home and the Sedgwick County Health Department announced Wednesday in a joint news release.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591922740376.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman at Thursday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman at Thursday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health administrator said Thursday that the state has reached the point of being able to test 2% of its population for the novel coronavirus each month and plans to send a mobile lab to communities to help with testing.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F181713886602771%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 and Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s health secretary, unveiled what the Department of Health and Environment described as the state’s first formal coronavirus testing strategy. It calls for testing 60,000 people each month through the end of the year, mapping the capacity of labs to handle test samples and assisting with local drive-through sites.But Norman acknowledged that Thursday’s announcement, coming a little more than three months after Kansas confirmed its first case, amounts to a declaration that health officials are now confident that they will have enough supplies to sustain current testing. He and Kelly had previously complained that the state was struggling to get supplies.“It allows us to implement the strategy we’ve wanted to do basically all along,” Norman said during a Statehouse news conference.Norman and Kelly have long said their goal was to have Kansas test 2% of its population. The state has had nearly 124,000 tests since the pandemic began in early March, but 74% of them, or more than 92,000, have been done since May 1.The White House told Kelly on April 20 that Kansas had capacity in state and private laboratories to test up to 6% of the population, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press through an open records request. The documents from the White House were based on information compiled by the White House’s coronavirus task force.The state health department says Kansas had 10,812 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, up 1.5%, or 162, since Monday. The state also reported 240 COVID-19-related deaths since the pandemic reached Kansas in early March, while Johns Hopkins University reports 242 deaths.Kelly imposed a statewide stay-at-home order from March 30 through May 3, then started a phased reopening of the state’s economy. She lifted all statewide restrictions on May 26 in favor of allowing the state’s 105 counties to decide the rules.Since then, Kansas has continued to see cases and deaths increase, but the state’s statistics show a slowing down over time of increases in new cases, deaths and hospitalizations.Norman said the state is finishing work on a van with a lab that can run coronavirus tests on samples. He said the plan is to send it first to Wyandotte County, an ongoing hotspot for cases, and Geary County, in northeast Kansas.Meanwhile, a Catholic church in Wichita has temporarily closed after a priest tested positive for the coronavirus.Matt Davied of the Church of the Magdalen said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/magdalenwichita/posts/2818082074907048" target="_blank">post&nbsp;</a>on the church’s Facebook page that he underwent testing after waking up feeling ill on Wednesday. He said he is now in isolation. Since the priests live together in the rectory, a second priest is in quarantine.All Masses at the church have been suspended and live streams will be temporarily discontinued,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/living/religion/article243440036.html" target="_blank">reports&nbsp;</a>The Wichita Eagle.Among the outbreaks is one that has infected 14 residents and eight staff members at Diversicare of Haysville, the Wichita area nursing home and the Sedgwick County Health Department announced Wednesday in a joint news release.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.___

🎥 KDHE: State can sustain testing 2% for COVID-19

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two Kansas men have been charged after police say they stopped a car full of teens they suspected of trespassing, then held the teens at gunpoint. 

Christopher Perry and Michael Morris both of Wichita have been charged with three felony counts of aggravated assault and three misdemeanor counts of criminal restraint. 

The incident happened around 2 a.m. May 30, when the teens were driving in a west Wichita neighborhood. Police say Perry and Morris believed the teens had earlier jumped a fence into a back yard of one of the men. Police say the men followed the teens, used a truck to block their car, then pointed a handgun at them and demanded identification.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591886918548.png" alt="Perry photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Perry photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two Kansas men have been charged after police say they stopped a car full of teens they suspected of trespassing, then held the teens at gunpoint. Christopher Perry and Michael Morris both of Wichita have been charged with three felony counts of aggravated assault and three misdemeanor counts of criminal restraint. The incident happened around 2 a.m. May 30, when the teens were driving in a west Wichita neighborhood. Police say Perry and Morris believed the teens had earlier jumped a fence into a back yard of one of the men. Police say the men followed the teens, used a truck to block their car, then pointed a handgun at them and demanded identification.

2 Kan. men charged, accused of holding teens at gunpoint

Editor's note: The Event coordinator originally included Kanopolis Drive-in on a list of drive-ins hosting the show.&nbsp; They are not participating in the concert.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country superstar Garth Brooks is holding a concert that will be played at 300 drive-in theaters in June across the country.

Brooks announced the June 27th concert event on Thursday.&nbsp;

The concert will be created in Nashville, Tennessee, and tickets at each showing will be limited. Tickets will cost $100 per passenger car or truck.

<a href="https://www.encorelive.com/">Several locations in Kansas</a> will host the show including the Starlite in Wichita.&nbsp;

The concert event will follow guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as all state and local health mandates. There will be rules on spacing between vehicles, protective equipment for staff, contactless payment and limited capacity in restrooms.

Brooks said in a statement that the drive-in concert “allows us all to get back to playing live music without the uncertainty of what would be the result to us as a community.”

Brooks has had to postpone some of his concerts this year due to the coronavirus spread.

Tickets will be on sale June 19.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/732705">click&nbsp;here&nbsp;for details.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591961928393.png" alt="Photo courtesy Starlite Drive-in" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Starlite Drive-in</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: The Event coordinator originally included Kanopolis Drive-in on a list of drive-ins hosting the show.&nbsp; They are not participating in the concert.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country superstar Garth Brooks is holding a concert that will be played at 300 drive-in theaters in June across the country.Brooks announced the June 27th concert event on Thursday.&nbsp;The concert will be created in Nashville, Tennessee, and tickets at each showing will be limited. Tickets will cost $100 per passenger car or truck.<a href="https://www.encorelive.com/">Several locations in Kansas</a> will host the show including the Starlite in Wichita.&nbsp;The concert event will follow guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as all state and local health mandates. There will be rules on spacing between vehicles, protective equipment for staff, contactless payment and limited capacity in restrooms.Brooks said in a statement that the drive-in concert “allows us all to get back to playing live music without the uncertainty of what would be the result to us as a community.”Brooks has had to postpone some of his concerts this year due to the coronavirus spread.Tickets will be on sale June 19.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/732705">click&nbsp;here&nbsp;for details.</a>

Garth Brooks concert set for drive-in theaters in Kansas, nationwide

WICHITA —Spirit AeroSystems announced Thursday the Department of Defense (DoD) allocated&nbsp;$80 million&nbsp;to Spirit to expand domestic production capability for advanced tooling, composite fabrication and metallic fabrication. 

These funds are part of the national response to COVID-19 in support of the Defense Industrial Base.

"We appreciate the confidence our customers have in Spirit's capabilities to serve a variety of critical defense needs," said&nbsp;Duane Hawkins, Senior Vice President; President, Defense and Fabrication, Spirit AeroSystems. "This funding for Spirit provides the Department of Defense additional production capacity for defense needs and helps maintain critical skills in the Defense Industrial Base."

Spirit will utilize the funds to build tooling, fabricate composite parts and machine complex metallic parts at its&nbsp;Wichita, Kan., facility. 

Spirit designs and manufactures both composite and metallic structures for commercial and defense customers. With long-standing machining capabilities, Spirit crafts more than 3 million detailed parts annually for original equipment manufacturers at peak production. The 5-axis center of excellence in&nbsp;Wichita&nbsp;focuses on large, complex, soft metal parts for fuselage, pylon and wing structures, all built on high-tech, high-speed, latest-generation equipment and is part of&nbsp;12M&nbsp;sqft of manufacturing space.

"Our growing work on defense programs has provided a measure of stability for the company, and helped us as we shift capacity to serve other needs, particularly in the defense market," said Hawkins. "These funds under Title III will help retain employees with critical skills."

Spirit supports a number of military programs, including programs for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. the Army.

Defense Production Act Title III contracts support the Defense Industrial Base and use funds authorized and appropriated under the CARES Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591891784932.png" alt="Senator Jerry Moran, Congressman Ron Estes and Duane Hawkins, Spirit SVP President of Defense and Fabrication-photo courtesy Spirit Aerosystems" />
 <figcaption>Senator Jerry Moran, Congressman Ron Estes and Duane Hawkins, Spirit SVP President of Defense and Fabrication-photo courtesy Spirit Aerosystems</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —Spirit AeroSystems announced Thursday the Department of Defense (DoD) allocated&nbsp;$80 million&nbsp;to Spirit to expand domestic production capability for advanced tooling, composite fabrication and metallic fabrication. These funds are part of the national response to COVID-19 in support of the Defense Industrial Base."We appreciate the confidence our customers have in Spirit's capabilities to serve a variety of critical defense needs," said&nbsp;Duane Hawkins, Senior Vice President; President, Defense and Fabrication, Spirit AeroSystems. "This funding for Spirit provides the Department of Defense additional production capacity for defense needs and helps maintain critical skills in the Defense Industrial Base."Spirit will utilize the funds to build tooling, fabricate composite parts and machine complex metallic parts at its&nbsp;Wichita, Kan., facility. Spirit designs and manufactures both composite and metallic structures for commercial and defense customers. With long-standing machining capabilities, Spirit crafts more than 3 million detailed parts annually for original equipment manufacturers at peak production. The 5-axis center of excellence in&nbsp;Wichita&nbsp;focuses on large, complex, soft metal parts for fuselage, pylon and wing structures, all built on high-tech, high-speed, latest-generation equipment and is part of&nbsp;12M&nbsp;sqft of manufacturing space."Our growing work on defense programs has provided a measure of stability for the company, and helped us as we shift capacity to serve other needs, particularly in the defense market," said Hawkins. "These funds under Title III will help retain employees with critical skills."Spirit supports a number of military programs, including programs for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. the Army.Defense Production Act Title III contracts support the Defense Industrial Base and use funds authorized and appropriated under the CARES Act.

Virus relief: Kan. aircraft parts maker receives $80M to expand production

WASHINGTON (AP) — About 1.5 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, evidence that many Americans are still losing their jobs even as the economy appears to be slowly recovering with more businesses partially reopening.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf">latest figure</a>&nbsp;from the Labor Department marked the 10th straight weekly decline in applications for jobless aid since they peaked in mid-March when the coronavirus hit hard. Still, the pace of layoffs remains historically high.

The total number of people who are receiving unemployment aid fell slightly, a sign that some people who were laid off when restaurants, retail chains and small businesses suddenly shut down have been recalled to work.

The figures are “consistent with a labor market that has begun what will be a slow and difficult healing process,” said Nancy Vanden Houten, an economist at Oxford Economics. “Still, initial jobless claims remain at levels that at the start of the year might have seemed unthinkable.”

Last week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9358e14389c7d8e11c3a6a4beb366411">jobs report showed</a>&nbsp;that employers added 2.5 million jobs in May, an unexpected increase that suggested that the job market has bottomed out.

But the recovery has begun slowly. Though the unemployment rate unexpectedly declined from 14.7%, it is still a high 13.3%. And even with the May hiring gain, just one in nine jobs that were lost in March and April have returned. Nearly 21 million people are officially classified as unemployed.

Even those figures don't capture the full scope of the damage to the job market. Including people the government said had been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf">erroneously categorized</a>&nbsp;as employed in the May jobs report and those who lost jobs but didn't look for new ones, 32.5 million people are out of work, economists estimate. That would have raised May's unemployment rate to 19.7%.

Thursday’s report also shows that an additional 706,000 people applied for jobless benefits last week under a new program for self-employed and gig workers that made them eligible for aid for the first time. These figures aren’t adjusted for seasonal variations, so the government doesn’t include them in the official count.

The weekly reports on applications for unemployment benefits track layoffs. But they don't directly account for hiring, which can offset layoffs. The surprise job gain in May suggests that some employers are recalling laid-off workers.

Private real-time data also points to steady, if modest, rehiring.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kronos.com/sites/default/files/resources/document/An-Update-on-US-Workforce-Activity-June-1-7-2020.pdf">Data from Kronos</a>, whose software tracks workers' hours, shows that the number of shifts worked has recovered steadily since bottoming in mid-April. Shifts worked have risen 25% since then, recovering nearly half the work that was lost to the pandemic-induced business shutdowns.

“The growth in shifts worked ... indicates that furloughed employees are being called back to work as each state opens up,” said Dave Gilbertson, a Kronos executive.

Twenty-four states reported a rise in applications for jobless aid last week, up from just four the week before, though the state data isn't adjusted for seasonal trends so it can be volatile. California, New York and Massachusetts reported sharp increases. Florida, Georgia and Texas, some of the earliest states to reopen their economies, reported large declines.

In February, the economy fell into a deep recession, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the association of economists that is the official arbiter of recessions. The Federal Reserve estimated Wednesday that the economy will shrink 6.5% this year. That would be, by far, the deepest annual contraction on records dating to World War II.

Even as restaurants, bars and gyms reopen, they are doing so at lower capacity. And consumer spending on such services remains far below what it was before the viral outbreak.

Unemployment benefits are providing significant support for jobless Americans, with total payments having reached $94 billion in May — six times the previous record set in 2010 just after the previous recession. This time, the benefits include an additional $600 a week from the federal government.

But that extra benefit is set to end July 31, and the Trump administration opposes extending it. Its opposition has set up a possible clash with House Democrats, who have approved legislation to extend the $600-a-week in federal benefits for an additional six months.

Republicans in Congress argue that the extra $600, which comes on top of state benefits that average about $375 nationwide, means many of the unemployed are receiving more money from jobless benefits than they earned at their old jobs. Republicans argue that this discourages people from returning to work.

Studies suggest that roughly two-thirds of the recipients are receiving total unemployment aid that exceeds their previous paychecks. But many workers are also wary about returning to their old jobs for fear of contracting the virus. And recipients who receive aid can lose their benefits if they turn down job offers.

Karin Jensen of Concord, California, has been out of work since being laid off from a managerial position with Men’s Wearhouse in late March. Jensen, 27, says she plans to return to her job whenever she is called back and is grateful that her company is continuing employee health care in the meantime.

Jensen acknowledged that receiving the extra $600 has made her less eager to return to work because she is among recipients whose total benefits exceed their former income. But she’s also worried about returning to retail work.

“I’d be in close contact with people,” Jensen said. “We have to measure customers, actually touch them. There’s no way we could do any minimum social distancing if we were to return to business as usual. I’m more than a little uneasy about it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587578545738.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — About 1.5 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, evidence that many Americans are still losing their jobs even as the economy appears to be slowly recovering with more businesses partially reopening.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf">latest figure</a>&nbsp;from the Labor Department marked the 10th straight weekly decline in applications for jobless aid since they peaked in mid-March when the coronavirus hit hard. Still, the pace of layoffs remains historically high.The total number of people who are receiving unemployment aid fell slightly, a sign that some people who were laid off when restaurants, retail chains and small businesses suddenly shut down have been recalled to work.The figures are “consistent with a labor market that has begun what will be a slow and difficult healing process,” said Nancy Vanden Houten, an economist at Oxford Economics. “Still, initial jobless claims remain at levels that at the start of the year might have seemed unthinkable.”Last week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9358e14389c7d8e11c3a6a4beb366411">jobs report showed</a>&nbsp;that employers added 2.5 million jobs in May, an unexpected increase that suggested that the job market has bottomed out.But the recovery has begun slowly. Though the unemployment rate unexpectedly declined from 14.7%, it is still a high 13.3%. And even with the May hiring gain, just one in nine jobs that were lost in March and April have returned. Nearly 21 million people are officially classified as unemployed.Even those figures don't capture the full scope of the damage to the job market. Including people the government said had been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf">erroneously categorized</a>&nbsp;as employed in the May jobs report and those who lost jobs but didn't look for new ones, 32.5 million people are out of work, economists estimate. That would have raised May's unemployment rate to 19.7%.Thursday’s report also shows that an additional 706,000 people applied for jobless benefits last week under a new program for self-employed and gig workers that made them eligible for aid for the first time. These figures aren’t adjusted for seasonal variations, so the government doesn’t include them in the official count.The weekly reports on applications for unemployment benefits track layoffs. But they don't directly account for hiring, which can offset layoffs. The surprise job gain in May suggests that some employers are recalling laid-off workers.Private real-time data also points to steady, if modest, rehiring.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kronos.com/sites/default/files/resources/document/An-Update-on-US-Workforce-Activity-June-1-7-2020.pdf">Data from Kronos</a>, whose software tracks workers' hours, shows that the number of shifts worked has recovered steadily since bottoming in mid-April. Shifts worked have risen 25% since then, recovering nearly half the work that was lost to the pandemic-induced business shutdowns.“The growth in shifts worked ... indicates that furloughed employees are being called back to work as each state opens up,” said Dave Gilbertson, a Kronos executive.Twenty-four states reported a rise in applications for jobless aid last week, up from just four the week before, though the state data isn't adjusted for seasonal trends so it can be volatile. California, New York and Massachusetts reported sharp increases. Florida, Georgia and Texas, some of the earliest states to reopen their economies, reported large declines.In February, the economy fell into a deep recession, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the association of economists that is the official arbiter of recessions. The Federal Reserve estimated Wednesday that the economy will shrink 6.5% this year. That would be, by far, the deepest annual contraction on records dating to World War II.Even as restaurants, bars and gyms reopen, they are doing so at lower capacity. And consumer spending on such services remains far below what it was before the viral outbreak.Unemployment benefits are providing significant support for jobless Americans, with total payments having reached $94 billion in May — six times the previous record set in 2010 just after the previous recession. This time, the benefits include an additional $600 a week from the federal government.But that extra benefit is set to end July 31, and the Trump administration opposes extending it. Its opposition has set up a possible clash with House Democrats, who have approved legislation to extend the $600-a-week in federal benefits for an additional six months.Republicans in Congress argue that the extra $600, which comes on top of state benefits that average about $375 nationwide, means many of the unemployed are receiving more money from jobless benefits than they earned at their old jobs. Republicans argue that this discourages people from returning to work.Studies suggest that roughly two-thirds of the recipients are receiving total unemployment aid that exceeds their previous paychecks. But many workers are also wary about returning to their old jobs for fear of contracting the virus. And recipients who receive aid can lose their benefits if they turn down job offers.Karin Jensen of Concord, California, has been out of work since being laid off from a managerial position with Men’s Wearhouse in late March. Jensen, 27, says she plans to return to her job whenever she is called back and is grateful that her company is continuing employee health care in the meantime.Jensen acknowledged that receiving the extra $600 has made her less eager to return to work because she is among recipients whose total benefits exceed their former income. But she’s also worried about returning to retail work.“I’d be in close contact with people,” Jensen said. “We have to measure customers, actually touch them. There’s no way we could do any minimum social distancing if we were to return to business as usual. I’m more than a little uneasy about it.”

Many more likely sought US jobless aid even as layoffs slow

SEWARD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on federal charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, a sheriff's deputy a Chevy Silverado pickup with Ohio license plates for failure to signal a lane change on Interstate 80 in Seward County, NE., according to Sheriff Michael Vance.

The sheriff was concerned the driver was involved in criminal activity and requested consent to search the vehicle. The sheriff deployed K9 Igor and ultimately located and seized nearly&nbsp;$2 million in cash in duffel bags in the back of the truck.

Deputies then arrested the driver 42-year-old Michael T. Gayton of Toledo, Ohio, on requested charges of felony transportation and possession of illegal currency used to facilitate the purchase of illegal drugs and money laundering. Agents from the Department of Homeland Security also assisted with the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591893555189.png" alt="Deputies with the cash -photo courtesy Seward Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Deputies with the cash -photo courtesy Seward Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on federal charges after a traffic stop.Just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, a sheriff's deputy a Chevy Silverado pickup with Ohio license plates for failure to signal a lane change on Interstate 80 in Seward County, NE., according to Sheriff Michael Vance.The sheriff was concerned the driver was involved in criminal activity and requested consent to search the vehicle. The sheriff deployed K9 Igor and ultimately located and seized nearly&nbsp;$2 million in cash in duffel bags in the back of the truck.Deputies then arrested the driver 42-year-old Michael T. Gayton of Toledo, Ohio, on requested charges of felony transportation and possession of illegal currency used to facilitate the purchase of illegal drugs and money laundering. Agents from the Department of Homeland Security also assisted with the arrest.

Sheriff K9 helps locate nearly $2M in cash during traffic stop

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Health officials in suburban Kansas City have linked a new coronavirus case to Memorial Day weekend parties at the Lake of the Ozarks. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Holzschuh told the Johnson County, Kansas, board of commissioners Thursday that the infected resident visited the same bar as a resident of Boone County in mid-Missouri who previously tested positive. 

Social media postings of the event showed large crowds of mostly young people without masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at pools along the central Missouri lake that is a popular weekend getaway spot. Health officials urged anyone who attended the parties to self-quarantine for 14 days.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591911691981.png" alt="Snap Chat image of the crowded pool party" />
 <figcaption>Snap Chat image of the crowded pool party</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Health officials in suburban Kansas City have linked a new coronavirus case to Memorial Day weekend parties at the Lake of the Ozarks. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Holzschuh told the Johnson County, Kansas, board of commissioners Thursday that the infected resident visited the same bar as a resident of Boone County in mid-Missouri who previously tested positive. Social media postings of the event showed large crowds of mostly young people without masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines at pools along the central Missouri lake that is a popular weekend getaway spot. Health officials urged anyone who attended the parties to self-quarantine for 14 days.&nbsp;

2nd COVID-19 case tied to Memorial weekend lake parties

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are conducting an investigation of graffiti and vandalism in Sante Fe Ballpark in Topeka. “This is truly despicable,” said Chief Bill Cochran. “Not only did the person or persons responsible damage property, but they damaged the image of our Topeka community. We must stand together and work to find the person or persons responsible for these hateful and unacceptable remarks.” "Hate speech in this community will never be tolerated,” said Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “Yesterday, today and tomorrow, our values remain the same - Black lives matter. The physical damage has been remedied and I'm grateful to Commissioner Cook and the county for ensuring this horrific graffiti was erased. The message painted at Sante Fe Park makes it clear though, there is still plenty of work to be done to heal our community. I know we, Topekans, are up for the challenge. This is yet another opportunity for us to live up to our legacy." If you have any information about the person(s) responsible, please email telltpd@topeka.org or call Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591911973712.png" alt="Workers in Topeka painted over the graffiti -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Workers in Topeka painted over the graffiti -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are conducting an investigation of graffiti and vandalism in Sante Fe Ballpark in Topeka. “This is truly despicable,” said Chief Bill Cochran. “Not only did the person or persons responsible damage property, but they damaged the image of our Topeka community. We must stand together and work to find the person or persons responsible for these hateful and unacceptable remarks.” "Hate speech in this community will never be tolerated,” said Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “Yesterday, today and tomorrow, our values remain the same - Black lives matter. The physical damage has been remedied and I'm grateful to Commissioner Cook and the county for ensuring this horrific graffiti was erased. The message painted at Sante Fe Park makes it clear though, there is still plenty of work to be done to heal our community. I know we, Topekans, are up for the challenge. This is yet another opportunity for us to live up to our legacy." If you have any information about the person(s) responsible, please email telltpd@topeka.org or call Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.

Police: Ball park in Kansas vandalized with hate speech, graffiti

KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp;– The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the death of Alonzo Brooks. Brooks’ body was found in a creek in La Cygne, Kan., on May 1, 2004.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591908849400.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp;– The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the death of Alonzo Brooks. Brooks’ body was found in a creek in La Cygne, Kan., on May 1, 2004.U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister and FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan announced the reward during a press conference in Kansas City Thursday. McAllister and the FBI reopened the investigation over a year ago. They have reviewed evidence going back 16 years, re-interviewed many witnesses who attended a party at a farmhouse where Brooks was last seen alive, interviewed new witnesses and collected all available physical and forensic evidence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591905055514.png" alt="U.S. Attorney&nbsp; Steven McAllister during Thursday news conference&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Attorney&nbsp; Steven McAllister during Thursday news conference&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“We are investigating whether Alonzo was murdered,” McAllister said. “His death certainly was suspicious, and someone, likely multiple people, know(s) what happened that night in April 2004. It is past time for the truth to come out. The code of silence must be broken. Alonzo’s family deserves to know the truth, and it is time for justice to be served.”“There are many unanswered questions that surround Alonzo’s death,” Langan said. “Someone knows something and we are hopeful that with the passage of time and this significant reward this renewed effort will produce results and provide closure for the Brooks family.”The FBI is investigating Brooks’ death as a potential racially-motivated crime. Brooks, who was 23 years old at the time he died, was one of only three African-American men at the party he attended with approximately 100 people at a farmhouse on the outskirts of La Cygne. Brooks, who lived in Gardner, Kan., rode to the party with friends, but they left before him, and Brooks eventually had no ride home.When Brooks failed to come home the next day, his family and friends contacted the Linn County Sheriff’s Department.From the beginning, there were rumors that Brooks had been the victim of foul play. Some said Brooks may have flirted with a girl, some said drunken white men wanted to fight an African-American male, and some said racist whites simply resented Brooks’ presence.After the party, two troubling facts were indisputable: Alonzo could not be found; and no one who attended the party would admit to knowing what happened to him.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to reports at the time, the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies searched areas around the farmhouse, including parts of nearby Middle Creek, but did not find Alonzo.After Alonzo had been missing for almost a month, a group of his family and friends organized a search. They began on the road near the farmhouse and walked the two branches of Middle Creek. In just under an hour, they found Alonzo’s body, partially on top of a pile of brush and branches in the creek.Because Alonzo died in 2004 and because of the lapse of time between his disappearance and discovery of his body, forensic analysis of the physical evidence at the time was limited. The official autopsy performed in 2004 did not determine a cause of death.“I have stood under the trees on the bank of Middle Creek where Alonzo’s body was found,” McAllister said. “It is a quiet place of profound sadness to one who knows its history, but no answers are there. I am convinced, however, that there are people who know the answers, people who have been keeping terrible secrets all these years and bearing a horrible burden. We are asking one or more of them to come forward now and to lay down that burden at last, so that we can ease a family’s suffering, and serve the cause of justice.”This reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the individual or individuals that may be responsible for Alonzo’s death. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS or submit a tip online at fbi.tips.gov